Chapter 273
Chapter 273
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 273
Chapter Title: The Successor's Gambit
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Killing intent surged in Bu Eun-seol’s eyes.
Even if it were a personal matter, how could the Lord of Bi-yeong-gak state that with such certainty?
“Is it not obvious?”
But the Lord of Bi-yeong-gak simply wore a relaxed smile.
“You investigated the movements of the Chil-ji-ma-do at Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong. And did you not mobilize your intelligence network to track down Sa-hyang?”
Bi-yeong-gak, the supreme intelligence organization of the Demonic Sect.
Astonishingly, they were not only monitoring the trends of the Ten Demonic Sects and the flow of their intelligence networks…
They had been investigating Bu Eun-seol’s every move.
“This is Bi-yeong-gak, Lord of the Spirit Soul.”
Hwa Jung-cheon let out a cold sneer.
He had clearly expected Bu Eun-seol to be flustered or at a loss.
‘Hm?’
But the reaction was completely different from what he had anticipated. Instead, Bu Eun-seol narrowed his eyes and nodded.
‘Just as I thought.’
His confrontation with Hwa Jung-cheon over Sa-hyang’s case.
It had been a test to gauge the intelligence-gathering capabilities of Bi-yeong-gak and to determine their limits.
‘The reason the Demonic Heavenly Emperor and the Grand Commander could always read my every move as if looking at the palm of their hands must have been because of Bi-yeong-gak.’
And just as Bu Eun-seol had expected, Bi-yeong-gak faced no restrictions in its intelligence gathering.
Even Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong, which possessed the finest intelligence network among the Ten Demonic Sects, was included in their surveillance.
That meant that no matter what Bu Eun-seol did, no matter which intelligence network he mobilized… he could not escape Bi-yeong-gak’s watch.
‘I’ll need it. Definitely.’
Having made a decision, Bu Eun-seol’s eyes narrowed.
Hwa Jung-cheon’s answer had prompted him to execute a plan he had long been contemplating.
After organizing his thoughts, Bu Eun-seol provoked Hwa Jung-cheon once more.
“And what if the matter of Sa-hyang was not a personal affair of mine?”
At his continued arrogance, a flicker of disappointment crossed Hwa Jung-cheon’s eyes.
“As the Lord of Bi-yeong-gak, I am well aware of the affairs our sect is handling.”
He continued, his face impassive.
“If what you were searching for was related to the sect’s official business, I would have naturally cooperated. Does that answer your question?”
A brief silence fell.
Bu Eun-seol, who had been staring intently at Hwa Jung-cheon, gave a slight nod.
“That’s a relief.”
“What is?”
“That at the very least, you, Lord, are not my enemy.”
The killing intent had vanished from Bu Eun-seol’s body, replaced by a gentle smile playing on his lips.
“There are many within this sect who are displeased that I have become the successor.”
Hwa Jung-cheon’s expression hardened.
That smile was like gazing upon the tip of a cold, sharp blade.
“If you, the Lord of Bi-yeong-gak who holds the sect’s information network, had harbored such feelings… I would have had no choice but to draw my sword, however reluctantly.”
Only then did Hwa Jung-cheon’s eyes widen in full realization.
“Are you saying you were testing me?”
“I was.”
Bu Eun-seol had tested Hwa Jung-cheon.
And if he had maintained a hostile stance… he had genuinely intended to take his head.
“Hahaha. Hahahahaha!”
Hwa Jung-cheon suddenly burst into laughter.
“So they called you the Mad Sword. It seems our sect has welcomed a madman as its successor!”
Though his words were sharp, his eyes glinted with amusement.
“Then again, if you weren’t mad, you couldn’t have achieved such military feats at your young age.”
His laughter ceased abruptly, and he stared directly into Bu Eun-seol’s eyes.
“Now that you’re the successor, you’re sorting out who is on your side, is that it?”
“It is.”
When Bu Eun-seol readily nodded, a smile touched Hwa Jung-cheon’s lips.
“However, I am on no one’s side.”
“Very well. I hope you will maintain your neutrality, just as you do now.”
A bloody glint flickered in Bu Eun-seol’s eyes.
“I can overlook others, but if you, Lord, were to harbor other intentions… I would have to cut you down first, no matter the risk.”
Hwa Jung-cheon was the Lord of Bi-yeong-gak, who controlled all information in the Demonic Sect. What if he became hostile to Bu Eun-seol?
He was a man who had to be eliminated, even if it meant giving up the position of successor.
“Hahaha. You had best conduct yourself well, too, my Lord.”
Hwa Jung-cheon let out a low laugh.
“So that I do not harbor other intentions.”
A formidable aura erupted from his body, powerful enough to instantly erase the killing intent pouring from Bu Eun-seol.
“If I set my mind to it, I can turn even the successor of the Demonic Sect into a cold corpse.”
It was a chilling threat.
But Bu Eun-seol merely smiled, pleased.
“Gladly.”
He then respectfully clasped his hands together.
“Thank you for your valuable time. Farewell.”
As Bu Eun-seol departed, a strange light flickered in Hwa Jung-cheon’s eyes.
“Whether this turns out for the better… or if everything will fall apart, we will have to wait and see.”
His voice was laced with a mixture of emotions, like a mastermind concealing many secrets.
***
The Annihilation Squad Leader, So Ja-myeong.
He was a former Blood Master from the Extreme Kill Pavilion and had once been an outstanding member of the Annihilation Squad who only handled A-rank missions.
“So you were Number Eighteen, the legend of the Akyang Branch.”
A smile graced the lips of So Ja-myeong, who sat across from Bu Eun-seol.
He was from the Extreme Kill Pavilion and held no particular grudge against Bu Eun-seol.
Moreover, he was aware that Bu Eun-seol had been the legendary Number Eighteen who had once shaken the Akyang Branch.
Perhaps for that reason, he showed considerable favor to the unexpectedly visiting Bu Eun-seol.
“But what brings you here? The Annihilation Squad does not officially exist.”
So Ja-myeong gave a faint smile.
The Annihilation Squad was a special unit that was not officially recognized, and the existence of its members was thoroughly concealed.
Therefore, the Annihilation Squad Leader, So Ja-myeong, was also considered non-existent within the Demonic Sect.
“It seems there are some perks to becoming the successor. To be able to meet the Annihilation Squad Leader in person like this.”
“Whatever you wish to say, please speak freely.”
When Bu Eun-seol offered the pleasantry, So Ja-myeong replied with a smile.
“After all, you, my Lord, are speaking with a man who does not exist in this sect.”
“Very well.”
At his meaningful words, Bu Eun-seol nodded and spoke in a low voice.
“I wish to place the Annihilation Squad under my direct command.”
“Direct command…?”
So Ja-myeong looked bewildered.
“Are you saying you wish to place the Annihilation Squad under the command of the Lord of the Spirit Soul?”
“I am.”
The Annihilation Squad was not an organization that handled righteous tasks.
The missions they received were secretive, concerning clandestine struggles against the forces of the Orthodox Faction.
Furthermore, if one were to trace the chain of command, they were directly under the Grand Commander.
For them to suddenly fall under Bu Eun-seol’s command was nonsensical.
“Direct command… I see.”
However, So Ja-myeong nodded as if he had realized something.
The Annihilation Squad, while belonging to the Demonic Sect, was the only unit not monitored by Bi-yeong-gak—it couldn’t be.
This was because its very existence was denied. No matter what the Annihilation Squad did, the Demonic Sect would not take responsibility.
Bu Eun-seol’s meeting with Hwa Jung-cheon had made him realize the terrifying power of Bi-yeong-gak.
Therefore, he needed a secret unit that could completely conceal his movements, free from the surveillance of any intelligence organization.
He intended to use the Annihilation Squad as his personal force.
“What do we gain if the Annihilation Squad comes under your command?”
“Within five years, I will have the Annihilation Squad recognized as an official unit of the sect and grant you the status you deserve.”
“I believe you are mistaken about something, my Lord.”
So Ja-myeong shook his head.
“In exchange for having their very existence denied, the members of the Annihilation Squad earn a vast amount of money.”
He continued slowly.
“That is why not only disciples from the Ten Demonic Sects who desire wealth but also members from all sorts of factions apply to join the Annihilation Squad. Why would we need official status?”
“I heard the payment per mission has been decreasing.”
Bu Eun-seol continued impassively.
“The missions for the Annihilation Squad will continue to diminish. The martial world is currently in a state of relative stability between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions. Clandestine power struggles will gradually disappear.”
Bu Eun-seol smiled.
“The Annihilation Squad is already losing its footing. Is that not so?”
So Ja-myeong’s smile vanished.
Just as Bu Eun-seol had said, the Annihilation Squad’s work was gradually decreasing, and the funds allocated to them had been drastically reduced.
The only thing the members of the Annihilation Squad wanted, who risked their lives without name or status, was money.
Furthermore, joining the squad was akin to leaving one's home sect, so long-serving members had nowhere to return.
The bigger problem was that the Annihilation Squad Leader, So Ja-myeong, was in the same situation as his men.
“And it must be the same for you, Squad Leader So, who left the Extreme Kill Pavilion and has led this squad for so long.”
“If you know that much, then very well.”
So Ja-myeong asked with a serious expression.
“I would like to hear what you want from our squad.”
Bu Eun-seol had presented him with a sweet, tempting fruit that was hard to refuse.
That meant what he demanded in return would be just as difficult.
“Information.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“Our sect’s Bi-yeong-gak monopolizes information and is loyal only to the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.”
So Ja-myeong looked puzzled.
“When it comes to intelligence organizations, don’t you have plenty, my Lord? I am aware that you command the Pung-un Unit of Nang-ya-gak, as well as the intelligence network of Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong.”
“The information I seek cannot be obtained through a typical intelligence organization.”
Bu Eun-seol spoke in a low voice.
“It is the dangerous kind, which can only be obtained when intelligence agents risk their lives, fight for it, seize it, and strive ceaselessly to acquire it.”
“Hm. In other words, similar to the missions the Annihilation Squad undertakes.”
“Not only that, you must completely conceal my movements so that no intelligence organization, no individual, can ever find me.”
A flash of lightning shot from Bu Eun-seol’s eyes.
“Not even the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.”
So Ja-myeong watched Bu Eun-seol with intrigued eyes.
Why would he, who had just become the successor of the Demonic Sect, need a special unit that carried out clandestine missions?
What kind of information was he trying to uncover, to the point of evading the sight of the greatest martial artist in the Demonic Path?
“What are the matters that need to be investigated?”
“I will tell you once you agree to come under my command.”
“That is not something to be sworn with words.”
As was the way of the Demonic Path, the members of the Annihilation Squad were loyal only to money and profit.
Even if one swore an oath a hundred times, it was worth less than a rolling leaf.
“What the members of the Annihilation Squad pursue is ultimately their own gain. You know this well, do you not?”
“Hahaha. If that is the case, then that is fine as well.”
Bu Eun-seol smiled, revealing his white teeth.
But that smile was so chilling that So Ja-myeong could not laugh.
—Loyalty or death.
Bu Eun-seol’s gaze said it all.
“I had heard rumors that you were ruthless, my Lord, but I did not know you were such a domineering figure.”
So Ja-myeong used the word ‘ruthless’ to Bu Eun-seol’s face.
And it was a very honest sentiment.
“I would like to hear your answer.”
At Bu Eun-seol’s words, So Ja-myeong shook his head with a grave expression.
“For you, my Lord, who knows the nature of the Annihilation Squad so well, to wish to take us under your command with such massive support… I am truly grateful.”
Then he said calmly.
“However, I must refuse your offer.”
He refused flatly, but Bu Eun-seol’s expression remained impassive, as if waiting for So Ja-myeong’s next words.
“Given the nature of our squad, we cannot pledge eternal loyalty to you.”
“You speak the truth. In that case?”
“Provide us with ample funds. As long as the funds are ample, we will be your loyal subordinates.”
—If you want to buy our loyalty, buy it with money. A great deal of money.
“In short, you will be a faithful subordinate as long as I line your pockets.”
“Precisely.”
Bu Eun-seol smiled.
It was an answer a thousand times more trustworthy than a verbal pledge of loyalty.
“Very well.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
“From now on, I will pay double the currently set amount for each classified mission.”
“D-double?”
So Ja-myeong’s mouth fell open.
The Grand Commander, Yeop Hyo-cheon, was already cutting their budget, claiming the success bonuses for Annihilation Squad missions were excessive.
And Bu Eun-seol was starting by offering double?
“Is that truly what you mean?”
“Of course. Depending on future missions, I will raise it to triple.”
“How is that possible? With what money…?”
Staring at Bu Eun-seol’s confident expression, So Ja-myeong let out a soft “Ah.”
‘Ah, right.’
He had finally remembered one fact he had forgotten.
Bu Eun-seol was a man who received the limitless support of the eccentric Geuk Hye-ryeong, the master of Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong.
The financial power of Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong was comparable to that of the entire Demonic Sect.
In other words, Bu Eun-seol, despite not being the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, was a man who could wield the immense financial power of the Demonic Sect.
“Hahaha! Hahaha!”
So Ja-myeong laughed heartily.
He had been dissatisfied with the stuffy old men and outdated factions of the Demonic Sect holding power…
And had been content with his position as the Annihilation Squad Leader.
But now that an outstanding successor capable of turning the entire Demonic Sect upside down had appeared… he could hardly contain his inner joy.
“Excellent.”
So Ja-myeong said with a smile.
“As long as the money flows, the Annihilation Squad will be your loyal unit.”
“Then I will now inform you of the urgent mission that needs to be handled.”
A solemn light appeared in Bu Eun-seol’s eyes.
Starting with the headquarters of the ever-mysterious Sa-hyang…
He intended to start by tracking down the masked figures who had burned the strange drugs and the Seong-ga Ironworks.
***
The Annihilation Council.
It was a meeting that the successor of the Demonic Sect could convene and preside over with the leaders of the Ten Demonic Sects.
However, this meeting was merely a right that existed in name only.
In the long history of the Demonic Sect, no successor had ever held this council.
This was because the Grand Demonic Council, the highest assembly attended by the masters of the Ten Demonic Sects under the auspices of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, already existed.
The position of successor was still an awkward one for giving orders to the leaders of the Ten Demonic Sects.
Yet, Bu Eun-seol had suddenly called for an Annihilation Council, summoning the leaders of the Ten Demonic Sects.
Inside the meeting hall of the Submerged Demon Pavilion.
Seven figures sat there with expressions like they had bitten into an unripe persimmon.
They were the Hall Master-level figures from the Ten Demonic Sects, excluding Jeol-cheon-myeol-ji, Mu-ha-su-yu-jeong, and the temporarily sealed Extreme Kill Pavilion.
Although it was stated in the official texts that the vice masters of the Ten Demonic Sects were to attend the Annihilation Council…
Those who looked down on Bu Eun-seol had, as if by agreement, sent Hall Master-level figures instead.
“I am Bu Eun-seol, Lord of the Spirit Soul.”
Bu Eun-seol, seated at the center of the meeting hall, looked around at the Hall Masters and spoke.
“So the Hall Masters have come.”
With a faint smile, he spoke in a low voice.
“Do you Hall Masters have the authority to make decisions on the matters to be discussed in this Annihilation Council?”
At that, U Seok, the White Blood Hall Master of the White Demon Temple, replied with a displeased look.
“Of course.”
“Is it the same for the others?”
At Bu Eun-seol’s question, the Hall Masters all nodded with annoyed expressions.
“That is so.”
“Then, good.”
Bu Eun-seol took a book from his robes.
“In my investigation, I have found that there is a great deal of corruption related to the Ten Demonic Sects.”
Thwack.
Placing the book on the table, Bu Eun-seol looked at Un Sa-dok, the Red Blood Hall Master from the Hell Blood Fortress, and said.
“Therefore, for the first order of business, we will begin an audit of the Hell Blood Fortress.”