Chapter 252
Chapter 252
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 252
Chapter Title: A Dangerous Pursuit
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His translucent skin, reflecting the sunlight, gave off a soft glow, and the smile on his lips was utterly refreshing.
“Young Master Bu.”
Spotting Bu Eun-seol, Wiji Hye-sang offered a bright smile and clasped his hands.
It was a pure smile, showing no trace of darkness.
‘How sinister.’
But to Bu Eun-seol's eyes, it was as if an old demon, hundreds of years old, was smiling with narrowed eyes.
Swallowing his inner thoughts, Bu Eun-seol gave a placid bow.
“What brings you here?”
“Are you returning to the Sa-yeong-gak?”
“I am.”
“I see. I happen to be heading toward the east gate myself.”
Though the situation was anything but a coincidence, Wiji Hye-sang said it with a shameless expression.
“Shall we walk together?”
“Very well.”
He had wanted to probe Wiji Hye-sang’s intentions anyway.
For him to initiate the conversation was, in a way, a blessing.
“By the way, congratulations.”
Wiji Hye-sang smiled, revealing his white teeth.
“Having killed Geol-wang and completed your mission, you've solidified your position as a successor.”
“I heard you also took care of everything at the Hyeol-yeom-do-ga.”
“Even if they obtained the Geuk-ryeong Divine Fruit at the Hyeol-yeom-do-ga, isn't that just like taking something out of one's own storehouse?”
Wiji Hye-sang looked at Bu Eun-seol, his white teeth showing.
“Besides, the Geuk-sal-mil-gak and Myeol-in-gung have yet to complete their missions…”
He spoke with a very pleased expression.
“If you can just secure the support of the Ten Demonic Sects, the successor position is as good as yours.”
Bu Eun-seol gave no reply.
Such words were surely nothing more than a prelude to the real topic.
“I heard you went through quite an ordeal during this expedition.”
As the silence continued, Wiji Hye-sang finally began to get to his point.
“You pursued Gonggong Sin-tu alone and were the first to discover his body.”
“I was merely lucky.”
“How could that be? Isn't Gonggong Sin-tu a mysterious figure who has evaded the pursuit of both the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions for decades?”
Wiji Hye-sang spoke with a proud expression, as if he himself had performed the deed.
“To have chased down such a person in an instant and been the first to find him must mean that you, Young Master Bu, had a meticulous plan laid out in advance.”
‘Is he still so far from the main point?’
In the distance, the pavilion where the Sa-yeong-dae were staying came into view.
But Wiji Hye-sang was still making small talk.
“Gonggong Sin-tu, he was a very interesting man. I learned something while pursuing him…”
The blooming smile and chatter on Wiji Hye-sang’s face showed no signs of stopping.
“He seemed to think he was making a sacrifice for the Murim. In reality, he had never seen any list of names of spies planted in both the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions…”
Then he turned his head, stared intently at Bu Eun-seol’s face, and spoke deliberately.
“He said he lived as a fugitive for decades merely to divert the attention of those lurking in the shadows.”
Bu Eun-seol’s expression hardened slightly.
Because those were the words Gonggong Sin-tu had spoken to Bu Eun-seol only as he was dying.
‘Did he really learn this by chance?’
Just as he was lost in thought, Wiji Hye-sang pointed toward the Sa-yeong-gak as if just noticing it.
“We’ve already arrived while I was lost in conversation.”
He then clasped his hands and spoke playfully.
“Well then, I shall take my leave.”
In the end, he never brought up a main topic.
“Take care.”
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands, Wiji Hye-sang made a small sound as if he had just remembered something.
“Isn’t it strange?”
“…”
“For a man like Gonggong Sin-tu to be carrying something like a poison fang, just like a third-rate assassin.”
*Halt.*
Bu Eun-seol’s expression became rigid.
The only one who had seen him bite down on the poison fang was Bu Eun-seol himself, wasn't it?
So how did Wiji Hye-sang know?
Ultimately, there were three possible answers.
Either he had stumbled upon the information that Gonggong Sin-tu carried a poison fang by chance.
Or he had been hiding nearby when Bu Eun-seol and Gonggong Sin-tu met…
‘Or Wiji Hye-sang himself was the one who plunged a sword into Gonggong Sin-tu's heart.’
As Bu Eun-seol’s eyes grew serious and he was about to speak, Wiji Hye-sang clasped his hands.
“Well then, I’ll see you again next time.”
His attitude seemed to declare his intention not to answer any questions that might come his way.
In the end, Bu Eun-seol swallowed the question that had risen in his mind.
Wiji Hye-sang was the successor of the Hwa-u-geom-mun.
With only the status of a successor candidate for the Martial Palace, he had neither the authority to stop him from leaving nor the power to force him to speak.
“Take care.”
Bu Eun-seol ultimately let him go without protest.
“Yes.”
Wiji Hye-sang offered a friendly smile and turned away.
With sharp eyes, Bu Eun-seol watched his retreating back until it disappeared.
His appearance was that of an innocent boy who knew nothing, but in reality, he was a more dangerous man than Do Cheon-rin.
Perhaps Wiji Hye-sang was involved in some deep conspiracy, or perhaps he was the mastermind behind it.
‘I can’t delay any longer.’
Bu Eun-seol made a decision.
He would find the mysterious group of assassins, Sa-hyang, said to be the grandmaster of hidden weapons.
* * *
A thick night fog hung over the river.
With each stroke of the oar, the small boat glided forward with a gentle splash.
Bu Eun-seol stood at the bow with his arms crossed, gazing at the fog-shrouded scenery of Gyerim.
Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong.
He intended to use the vast intelligence network of the greatest demonic sect to catch a trail of Sa-hyang.
*Thump, thump.*
Finally arriving at the entrance of Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong, Bu Eun-seol disembarked and walked inside.
Unlike in the past, the entrance was no longer rigged with traps.
With Bu Eun-seol’s help, the martial arts of Baek-hwa-nang-rang, their main combatant, had improved dramatically.
Not only that, but formidable masters from Nang-ya-gak were now stationed here, and great demonic masters of Jeol-jeon-myeol-ji served as martial instructors.
Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong had now acquired a powerful martial force befitting its status as one of the Ten Demonic Sects.
“Young Master Bu.”
Mi-ryeong, who was in charge of the entrance, recognized Bu Eun-seol and greeted him warmly.
“What brings you here without any notice?”
“I have come because I have something urgent to discuss with the Leader.”
“I see. I will inform her right away.”
Mi-ryeong had one of her disciples guide Bu Eun-seol to the pavilion where Geuk Hye-ryeong resided.
Originally, the place had been a bleak landscape densely covered with Eun-yeong Stones needed for formations.
But now, it had been transformed into a beautiful garden with a small pond and a pavilion.
And in front of it was a small figure squatting down, looking at the flowers.
It was a young girl in a light pink dress, her long hair braided into two pigtails. It was Geuk Hye-bin.
“Ah?”
She spotted Bu Eun-seol, jumped to her feet, and ran over.
“Aah!”
Geuk Hye-bin ran toward Bu Eun-seol with a happy smile and bowed her head.
“Have you been well?”
“Aaaah!”
Geuk Hye-bin took Bu Eun-seol’s hands and smiled brightly. From that smile alone, he could tell one thing.
The child who couldn't empathize with others and only pretended to do good deeds was completely gone.
Geuk Hye-ryeong had faithfully followed Bu Eun-seol’s advice, reducing her work and showering the girl with attention and love.
Thanks to that, Geuk Hye-bin had grown into a girl who was healthy in both body and mind.
*Rustle, rustle.*
Just then, with the sound of rustling clothes, an old woman emerged, leading a dozen disciples.
Her face was full of wrinkles, but her eyes were clear and sparkled with a divine light. It was the Leader of Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong, Geuk Hye-ryeong.
“Leader.”
Bu Eun-seol bowed his head deeply.
Though Geuk Hye-ryeong was a woman, she possessed a sense of loyalty far deeper than that of bearded men.
She had quickly grasped Bu Eun-seol’s character and supported him, not to mention providing immense aid to Nang-ya-gak.
Furthermore, during the battle with the Sa-ryeong-mun, she had broken her principle of ‘not interfering in the fights of other sects’ and sent her disciples to help him.
Of course, all of this was only possible because Bu Eun-seol had first shown a trust that put his life on the line.
“It’s been a while.”
Geuk Hye-ryeong nodded and offered a warm smile.
“I’ve been hearing all about your exploits.”
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol took a small wooden box from his robes and held it out.
It was the mystical Jade Bee Honey he had brought from the Martial Emperor’s secret treasury.
“What is this?”
“It is Jade Bee Honey. It won’t be able to completely restore her vocal muscles, but it should help to some extent.”
Geuk Hye-ryeong couldn’t hide her joyful expression.
“Jade Bee Honey…”
This legendary medicine, long vanished from the Murim, was known to restore even severed muscles in an instant.
Of course, it couldn’t perfectly restore vocal cords that were damaged long ago…
But it would allow Geuk Hye-bin to produce some sounds.
“Thank you, thank you!”
With an emotional expression, Geuk Hye-ryeong grasped Bu Eun-seol’s hand.
What made her even happier was the fact that Bu Eun-seol had not forgotten to look out for her granddaughter, Geuk Hye-bin.
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
“I am only repaying a small part of the kindness you have shown me, Leader.”
‘I certainly chose the right person.’
Smiling broadly, she took Bu Eun-seol’s hand.
“We shouldn’t stand here like this. Let’s go inside first.”
Geuk Hye-ryeong didn’t ask what brought him here.
Bu Eun-seol was the most honored guest of Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong and the future master who would one day rule the Martial Palace.
“Let’s talk over a drink.”
Geuk Hye-ryeong showed a smile that creased her wrinkled face.
Jeong-geum-gak.
This was the place where the leaders of Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong had lived for generations, and it had never once been opened to an outsider.
This was because it was connected to the secret vault where the treasures of Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong were hidden.
But today, the doors of Jeong-geum-gak were wide open to welcome Bu Eun-seol.
However, contrary to the splendid interior, the banquet table was set with a simple spread of food and drinks.
Normally, a feast of delicacies would have been prepared, with numerous disciples serving fine wine.
But knowing well that Bu Eun-seol disliked fuss, she had prepared a light reception.
“Now, speak freely.”
Geuk Hye-ryeong personally filled Bu Eun-seol’s cup to the brim as she spoke.
“Whatever it is, I will do my utmost to help.”
From Bu Eun-seol’s expression, she had a faint guess as to why he had come.
That he was about to make a difficult request.
“Sa-hyang…”
Bu Eun-seol spoke with a grave expression.
“I wish to obtain information about them.”
In an instant, Geuk Hye-ryeong’s relaxed demeanor changed.
In the Murim, there were mysterious sects whose locations were unknown.
And such sects were never to be provoked. The fact that they could hide their base for generations meant what?
That they had never tolerated those who tried to uncover their secrets.
“Are you serious?”
“I am.”
After taking a sip of the wine in her cup, Geuk Hye-ryeong nodded without another word.
“I understand.”
Geuk Hye-ryeong didn’t ask.
She didn’t ask why Bu Eun-seol was after them, nor about the great harm that could befall Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong if they provoked Sa-hyang.
If it was Bu Eun-seol’s request, she would carry it out without hesitation, even if it meant exposing all of Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong to danger.
Because she knew Bu Eun-seol would also risk everything to protect Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong.
“I don’t know if it’s possible, but I will give it a try.”
“How long do you think it will take?”
“A secret sect like Sa-hyang must have spent a long time covering their tracks.”
Geuk Hye-ryeong spoke with a solemn expression.
“I cannot say how much time it will take.”
“I see.”
As a flicker of disappointment crossed Bu Eun-seol’s eyes, Geuk Hye-ryeong smiled faintly.
“There’s no need to be disheartened. It’s possible that just as we start digging for information, they might happen to reveal a weakness or make a mistake.”
Then she said in a firm voice.
“If that happens, there’s a chance we could find them quickly. I will mobilize my entire information network, so please wait.”
“Thank you.”
“Is that the only reason you came to see me?”
“Yes.”
From the incident with Gonggong Sin-tu, Bu Eun-seol had realized that the Martial Palace had countless eyes and ears.
Whether using a messenger hawk or sending a courier.
Information passed through an intermediary was at high risk of being exposed.
“And there is one more thing I would like to ask of you.”
“Speak.”
“The Seven-Fingered Demonic Saber…”
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eun-seol said in a low voice.
“I want to know every detail about Bu Jan-yang.”