Chapter 286
Chapter 286
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 286
Chapter Title: The Grand Pontiff's Proposal
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—Deputy Chief Danli has passed away due to overwork.
This was the Murim Alliance's official announcement.
The Deputy Chief of the Law Enforcement Hall, the very body meant to enforce the law, had been investigated for corruption.
For him to have then taken his own life was not a good look.
To preserve the late Danli Muk’s honor while also saving the Murim Alliance’s face, they announced to the public that he had died from overwork while on duty.
Even internally, few outside the inspection team investigating Danli Muk knew the exact details, so silencing the rest was not difficult.
The vacant position of Deputy Chief of the Law Enforcement Hall was left open for the time being.
Separately, it was said that Yang Seol, the Head of the Hwamilwon, had quietly stepped down from her position due to illness and left to recuperate for a while.
However, since the Hwamilwon had few daily duties, the Head's absence was not keenly felt.
Then, it was reported that Law Enforcement Minor Captain Jongjeong Yak and his adjutant, Neung Joun, had been promoted and transferred to the Inspection Hall.
But as these were minor personnel changes within the Murim Alliance, no particular rumors spread.
Bu Eun-seol returned to the Demonic Cult.
Unfortunately, he had failed to find a connection between the Murim Alliance and Sahyang during his trip.
But he had made an unexpectedly large gain.
The forces that had been stirring up the martial world.
They were restoring long-forgotten, defunct sects and turning them into puppets.
They weren't persuading existing factions, nor were they cultivating forces of their own.
They were simply restoring sects that had already been forgotten by the martial world, using them where needed, and discarding them if they didn't produce the desired results.
No one would refuse a power that offered immense support without asking for anything in return.
That was how they had been able to extend their influence across the Central Plains without revealing themselves.
—The Sa-yeongjeon Division is to prepare for immediate deployment.
And so, Bu Eun-seol immediately headed for Yunnan with the masters of the Sa-yeongjeon.
As the Muhon-ryeongju, Bu Eun-seol could mobilize the divisions under his command at will.
He had not the slightest intention of letting the Five Poisons Sect, who kidnapped children for cruel experiments, go unpunished.
Furthermore, to ensure a swift annihilation, he did not report to the Demonic Heavenly Emperor or the Grand Pontiff.
The moment they went through the complicated procedures and held a meeting to formally deploy the division…
They would once again cover their tracks and vanish.
—My lord. You should at least report it before you go.
—He's right. The authority to operate a division independently is a power that exists only on paper. There's no history of a division actually being moved without a report!
The leaders of the Sa-yeongjeon, Myo Cheon-u, Yu Un-ryong, and others vehemently tried to stop Bu Eun-seol.
What if he really moved the division on his own and it led to an unforeseen outcome?
Bu Eun-seol’s authority, already viewed unfavorably, would surely plummet.
—By the time we go through the procedures, they will have already vanished.
With the Head of the Hwamilwon dead, the information had already leaked.
If they moved the division after going through the formal reporting process, their targets would already be gone.
Bu Eun-seol dismissed his subordinates’ advice and immediately moved the Sa-yeongjeon toward Yunnan.
—The Muhon-ryeongju has lost his mind.
The key figures of the Demonic Cult shook their heads in stunned disbelief when Bu Eun-seol arbitrarily moved a division and left the headquarters.
Even Dan Wol-hon, the Deputy Chief of the Demonic Assembly who could mobilize most of the cult's forces, reported when moving troops on the scale of a division.
Yet Bu Eun-seol, who had just become the successor, was moving a division on his own whim?
—I don't know what he's up to, but I will not let this slide! Not even if the Demonic Heavenly Emperor himself forgives him!
Eventually, the Hall Master-level figures who had always looked upon Bu Eun-seol with disdain began to openly voice their discontent.
—We cannot stand by and watch such a reckless successor!
—That's right! When he returns, I will demand that the Demonic Heavenly Emperor punish him!
The dissatisfaction among the Hall Masters grew until it became a unified opinion.
The moment Bu Eun-seol returned to the cult, they intended to have his title revoked and initiate disciplinary procedures.
But then, a strange rumor began to spread through the martial world.
—The Demonic Cult's Sa-yeongjeon Division has annihilated the Five Poisons Sect.
The rumor spread that the Sa-yeongjeon, led by Bu Eun-seol, had exterminated the long-vanished Five Poisons Sect of Yunnan.
—The Five Poisons Sect? They exterminated the Five Poisons Sect that was wiped out long ago? What does that mean?
All the martial artists who heard the rumor were shocked.
The Five Poisons Sect was known to have been mysteriously wiped out over a century ago.
But it turned out they had established themselves in Yunnan so secretly that no information network had noticed.
—The Five Poisons Sect had been kidnapping children from all over the Central Plains and conducting human experiments!
Finally, the reason why the Sa-yeongjeon had annihilated the Five Poisons Sect, and the evidence for it, began to surface one by one.
The Five Poisons Sect had apparently been kidnapping children and performing human experiments for the past thirty years.
The Sa-yeongjeon had publicly disclosed all the evidence upon exterminating them.
As the shocking news spread, the various information networks of the martial world moved quickly.
—The Sa-yeongjeon’s announcement was true.
—They were using an assassination sect to secretly kidnap the children.
And they confirmed that everything the Sa-yeongjeon had made public was true.
The martial artists couldn't help but be horrified.
It was surprising enough that the long-gone Five Poisons Sect was still active.
But on top of that, they had been kidnapping children and committing such unspeakable atrocities?
Furthermore, the Orthodox factions, including the Murim Alliance, were utterly shocked.
The fact that the Five Poisons Sect, which they thought had vanished, was still active, and that they had been kidnapping children…
None of the Orthodox faction’s information networks had detected any of it.
—Does this mean their information network surpasses ours?
—To think that the Demonic Cult's successor solved the child kidnapping cases that have been happening all over the Central Plains…
From the mouths of the Orthodox faction members came shock and astonishment.
—He picked a good successor.
—I know, right? He’s been stirring up storms day after day, and this time he’s raised the Demonic Cult’s prestige again.
From the mouths of the Demonic Path followers poured gasps of admiration and praise.
Bu Eun-seol's name was now echoing daily throughout both the Orthodox and Demonic factions.
In Dokmyeonggak, Yeop Hyo-cheon’s office.
Bu Eun-seol, having returned with the Sa-yeongjeon after wiping out the Five Poisons Sect, was having a private meeting with the Grand Pontiff, Yeop Hyo-cheon.
This was because the Demonic Heavenly Emperor had suddenly entered seclusion.
According to the rumors, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor’s martial arts and inner energy had once again undergone a sudden, great breakthrough, and this was an unavoidable choice to bring that energy under control.
“Muhon-ryeongju, your actions never cease to surprise this Grand Pontiff.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon offered Bu Eun-seol a faint smile.
“Thanks to this expedition, our cult’s prestige once again resounds throughout the martial world. You’ve worked hard.”
His gaze and demeanor were like that of someone looking at a beloved grandson.
But Bu Eun-seol was no longer fooled by that smile.
Even if he doted on you like a grandson today because you were useful, he would cut your throat without hesitation the next day if you ceased to be.
That was the way of the Demonic Path.
“Moreover, this incident has silenced those within the cult who held ill feelings toward you. Very well done.”
“Thank you.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon wore a pleased smile.
“But how did you find out about the Five Poisons Sect’s movements and their evil deeds?”
In the past, he would have had to cover the truth with a veil of lies to answer that question.
But now that he was the Muhon-ryeongju, he could confidently hide the truth without needing many words.
“I happened to hear about it through a reliable source.”
“Hahaha.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon chuckled nonchalantly and nodded.
“Well, I suppose that’s possible, since you have the vast information network of the Muha-suyu-jeong in the palm of your hand.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon spoke again.
“In any case, since the Demonic Heavenly Emperor is in seclusion… how about this Grand Pontiff gives you a reward in his stead?”
He then placed an envelope on the table.
“What is this?”
“It is a *sa-seong* (Four Pillars of Destiny).”
“Why are you giving me a *sa-seong*…”
“Isn’t it about time you started a family?”
Bu Eun-seol couldn't hide his dumbfounded expression.
“Isn’t the *sa-seong* sent with a marriage proposal after a match has been decided?”
“Why would a martial artist care for such trivial etiquette?”
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
“Unfortunately, I am an orphan, so my Four Pillars cannot be read.”
“Hahaha. You are hardly the only person in the Demonic Path who was born an orphan and made their own way, my lord.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled faintly.
“I brought the *sa-seong* not to check your compatibility, but to hear your thoughts.”
Then he said in a low voice.
“This Grand Pontiff is not trying to be a matchmaker. This is simply for your future, Muhon-ryeongju.”
“I do not understand what you mean.”
“Read it first.”
Bu Eun-seol had no choice but to open the envelope.
Inside, a snow-white piece of paper was neatly folded.
As he slowly unfolded the paper, he saw a woman’s name and time of birth.
Bu Eun-seol’s eyes widened as he looked down at it.
“Jin-seol…”
To his surprise, the name written at the top of the paper was Jin-seol.
“Are you referring to Jin Sang-hwa, Lady Jin?”
Yeop Hyo-cheon nodded.
“Indeed.”
He then said with a solemn expression.
“Win Jin Sang-hwa. To become the next master of the Demonic Path, you must have her.”
“Why is that?”
“For if you win her, it is no different than winning half of the Demonic world.”
It was an incomprehensible statement.
Jin-seol. She was merely a Sang-hwa who managed all the ceremonies of the Demonic Cult.
Of course, it was surprising that she had reached the position of Sang-hwa at such a young age, dealing with the highest echelons like the Demonic Heavenly Emperor and the Elder Hall Masters.
But was that all there was to it?
‘The Grand Pontiff couldn’t possibly be unaware of my disposition.’
He had to know that Bu Eun-seol was not the type of person to seek power by taking a woman.
So for him to make such a proposal? There had to be some other hidden motive.
As if he had read Bu Eun-seol’s mind, Yeop Hyo-cheon said with a meaningful smile.
“You will learn the reason once you are engaged to her.”
Coming from the Grand Pontiff Yeop Hyo-cheon, these could not be empty words.
If so, his statement contained two truths.
First, that becoming engaged to Jin-seol would truly grant him half of the Demonic world.
Second, that no matter how much Bu Eun-seol mobilized his information network, he would not be able to uncover the secret Jin-seol held.
‘I’ll find it out.’
Having made up his mind, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
“I appreciate the offer, but I have no intention of starting a family yet.”
Bu Eun-seol still had much to do.
And who knew how it would all end? He had never even considered settling down.
“I am not asking you to decide right now.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled faintly.
“This is merely this Grand Pontiff’s wish, after all.”
Bu Eun-seol’s eyebrow twitched.
Even though he had become the successor of the Demonic Cult, Yeop Hyo-cheon still spoke in riddles.
‘He’s confident I’ll react just as he desires.’
Changing his mind, Bu Eun-seol smiled and clasped his hands.
“Understood. Then I will take my time to think about it.”
“Good. I must now attend a meeting, so I will take my leave first.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon’s expression truly looked like that of a grandfather playing matchmaker for his beloved grandson.
But as Bu Eun-seol watched him, his own gaze turned cold.
“Then…”
Clasping his hands respectfully, Bu Eun-seol slowly turned around.
As he stepped out of Dokmyeonggak, numerous Hall Master-level figures were walking toward it.
They were likely on their way to attend the meeting hosted by the Grand Pontiff.
“Muhon-ryeongju.”
Upon seeing Bu Eun-seol, they all greeted him warmly, clasping their hands. Among them were even those who had loudly cursed him.
But Bu Eun-seol’s fame from annihilating the Five Poisons Sect was now shaking the entire martial world.
From now on, no matter what Bu Eun-seol did, they would not dare to object.
*Step, step.*
After casually accepting their greetings, Bu Eun-seol strode confidently out of Dokmyeonggak.
Previously, those who were displeased with him would have shot him disgruntled looks or whispered a few words, but now, no one did.
After that day.
Bu Eun-seol shut himself in his quarters and meditated.
Because he had dealt with the Five Poisons Sect so quickly, he hadn't had the chance to properly comprehend, let alone digest, the insights he had gained at the Murim Alliance.
When all the members of the Sa-yeongjeon saw him secluded in his quarters, they realized he was in closed-door training and did not even come near.
They even warned the servants not to approach the quarters, lest they disturb his concentration.
But in truth, none of that mattered.
His meditation had long since transcended the level where external stimuli could break his spiritual tranquility.
If that had not been the case, he would not have been contemplating martial insights in his own quarters.
‘Indeed, the Three Venerables are the Three Venerables. Even though they are all in the Limitless Realm, the state reached by an Orthodox master is quite different from that of the Demonic Path.’
Jeok-bung, Ak Mu-ryeong, and the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
The masters of the Limitless Realm who stood at the pinnacle of the Demonic Path all placed the ultimate principles of martial arts in the ‘Mind’ (心).
Jeok-bung had pressured Bu Eun-seol’s spirit through light conversation, while Ak Mu-ryeong had directly struck his spirit with the power of illusions.
And the Demonic Heavenly Emperor had proven through the Sak-jeong-bi-gyeol that the fortitude of the mind was the fortitude of one’s martial arts.
But the Buddhist Venerable Hong Hyeon was different.
He had used the Prajna Maha-Abhijna to alter the martial principles of Bu Eun-seol’s Thirteen Nights Arts, instantly nullifying it.
In other words, he pursued the mysterious power of ‘Ki’ (氣) as the foundation of martial arts, and through Ki, he could freely manipulate the very principles of martial arts.
‘Is this why the Demonic and Orthodox paths diverged?’
*Manryugwijong*.
When martial arts reach their zenith, all principles that once seemed different converge into one.
But the martial arts of the Demonic and Orthodox paths were so different in nature that, like oil and water, they had no room to mix.
‘As things are now, I’d rather focus on mastering the Martial Emperor’s True Enlightenment and the Thirteen Nights Arts.’
The Thirteen Nights Arts, having advanced a step through the insight from the Buddhist Venerable.
Its power was formidable enough to surpass the As-You-Will True Formula, which had always been his final trump card.
It also had the advantage of not consuming a great deal of inner energy and being so well-balanced in offense and defense that one did not need to prepare for a counterattack when executing it.
‘In the end, I will have to make a choice at some point.’
Bu Eun-seol could feel it instinctively.
That someday, when he reached the apex of martial arts, he too would have to make a choice.
At the crossroads of the Orthodox (正) and the Demonic (魔).
*Chirp, chirp, chirp…*
As he awoke from his meditation, the chirping of birds gently filled his ears.
Slowly opening his eyes, Bu Eun-seol rose from his seat and went outside.
“My lord!”
As he came out, Won Se-mun ran over with a broad smile.
“Have you finished your seclusion?”
“I have.”
“By the way, my lord… are you getting married?”
“What nonsense is this?”
As Bu Eun-seol frowned, Won Se-mun looked around and said.
“A rumor has spread throughout the cult that you are looking for a bride, my lord.”
In that instant, a glint flashed in Bu Eun-seol’s eyes.
‘The contents of my private meeting in Dokmyeonggak have been leaked.’
A private conversation held in Seongmagak or Dokmyeonggak would never leak to the outside.
This meant that Yeop Hyo-cheon must have intentionally spread the rumor.
‘He seems to be serious.’
Letting out a short huff, Bu Eun-seol curtly dismissed it.
“It’s a ridiculous rumor.”
He then turned away with an indifferent expression.
But Bu Eun-seol did not know.
What kind of repercussions such a rumor would create. Nor that because of it… figures that even he could not handle would soon begin arriving at the Demonic Cult, one after another.