Chapter 358
Chapter 358
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 358
Chapter Title: The Tiger's Den
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A secret chamber within the Shadow Pavilion.
A faint, soothing incense that calmed the body and mind wafted through the air. A table and bookshelf, both crafted from red sandalwood, occupied the space.
Two figures sat facing each other at the table.
Bu Eun-seol. And the Master of the Shadow Pavilion, Hwa Jung-cheon.
Hwa Jung-cheon’s reception of Bu Eun-seol’s sudden visit was remarkably warm and favorable, a stark contrast to their previous encounters.
And that was also proof that Bu Eun-seol was on a stable path as the successor.
“What brings you here?”
Hwa Jung-cheon said, looking at Bu Eun-seol, who had a teacup before him.
“You wouldn’t have come just because you suddenly missed me.”
“I came to ask about the Vice-Lord of the Demon Hall.”
Bu Eun-seol asked directly, without beating around the bush.
However, unlike before, his tone was calm and polite, as if addressing an elder.
“The Vice-Lord has been missing for decades. So why is the position still left vacant?”
Hwa Jung-cheon frowned and replied.
“It seems more appropriate to ask such a question to the Hall Lord or the Grand Commandant.”
“I came to hear your opinion, Pavilion Master.”
“My opinion, you say.”
Bu Eun-seol said frankly.
“The Heavenly Demon is in seclusion, and I doubt the Grand Commandant would give me a straight answer.”
“Hahaha.”
At Bu Eun-seol's uninhibited words, Hwa Jung-cheon let out a low laugh.
“That might be the most honest thing I’ve ever heard from you.”
He then nodded and continued.
“Since you are being so honest, Spirit Lord, I shall be honest as well.”
“Please, speak.”
“I acknowledge that you have overcome many trials to secure your position as the successor, Spirit Lord.”
“…”
“But it is not yet perfect. To be more frank, you still have a long way to go.”
“So you’re saying you’re still neutral.”
“That is correct.”
Hwa Jung-cheon stared at Bu Eun-seol with deep, somber eyes.
“Therefore, if I provide you with any information, Spirit Lord, you must also be prepared to accept a corresponding loss.”
Bu Eun-seol immediately understood Hwa Jung-cheon's meaning and nodded.
Since he was still maintaining neutrality, if he were to give Bu Eun-seol information about certain people?
It meant he would also pass on information about Bu Eun-seol to those related parties.
“You are honest. Supremely so.”
“I have no choice but to be honest.”
Hwa Jung-cheon gave a wry smile and stroked his chin.
“If I didn’t tell you this beforehand, wouldn't you surely draw your sword and point it at my neck, Spirit Lord?”
“Very well.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded crisply.
“I will accept all the losses you mentioned, Pavilion Master. So please, tell me.”
“Hmm. You wanted to hear my opinion on why the Vice-Lord position was left vacant…”
Hwa Jung-cheon hummed thoughtfully and leaned back in his chair.
“First, I should probably start by explaining how Bu Jan-yang, the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber, became the Vice-Lord of this hall. We must begin with that process.”
Hwa Jung-cheon took a deep breath and stared into the empty air, not at Bu Eun-seol.
“To put it simply… he rose to the position of Vice-Lord because he received the support of a majority of the Ten Demonic Sects.”
“…”
“However, the reason was never clearly revealed. There were only rampant rumors that he had exploited the weaknesses of the Ten Demonic Sects.”
His eyes deepened as if he were searching his memory.
“The person originally slated to be the Vice-Lord was Gyo Ak, the Evil Shearing Sword, who was the Vice-Sect Master of the Fiery Rain Sword Sect at the time.”
Hwa Jung-cheon spoke again.
“But then, six of the sects—excluding the Fiery Rain Sword Sect, the Heaven-Severing Annihilation Sect, the Formless Wandering Pavilion, and the Wolf Fang Pavilion—suddenly recommended the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber for the position of Vice-Lord. That’s how he became the Vice-Lord.”
Bu Eun-seol's eyes narrowed.
A strong candidate suddenly withdraws, and an unexpected figure gains majority support to take the position?
If that was the case, then whether he had exploited their weaknesses as Hwa Jung-cheon said, or offered them an irresistible, massive benefit, it was clear that some kind of agreement had been made behind the scenes.
“What kind of weaknesses could the Ten Demonic Sects possibly have?”
Bu Eun-seol asked, unable to understand, and Hwa Jung-cheon gave a dry smile.
“It's not like that now, but forty years ago, the martial arts of the Ten Demonic Sects had particularly incomprehensible compatibilities. As a result, many of their arts were polar opposites to one another.”
Hwa Jung-cheon said in a low voice.
“For example, the Soul Commanding Spear was particularly ineffective against the unorthodox methods of the White Horse Temple, and the Killing Arts of the Extreme Killing Secret Pavilion became mere shells before the practical martial arts of the Wolf Fang Pavilion.”
“Hmm.”
“In fact, back then, the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber clashed with the masters of the Ten Demonic Sects several times. And every time he fought, a story circulated that he used the very martial arts that were polar opposites to those of the sects he faced.”
“Isn't it common to learn the principles of an opponent's martial arts on the spot during a battle? I myself prioritized mastering such techniques.”
“The rumor was that it wasn't just a matter of mimicking the principles of the martial arts, but that he executed them perfectly, as if he had trained for decades.”
Bu Eun-seol was surprised, but he shook his head.
“If the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber could perfectly execute the martial arts of the Ten Demonic Sects, surely he would never have been able to rise to the position of Vice-Lord.”
If the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber had stolen the unique martial arts of the Ten Demonic Sects, wouldn't he have faced a full-scale attack from them?
“If there had been proof, that's what would have happened.”
But Hwa Jung-cheon said with a nonchalant expression.
“But the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber killed countless figures from the Orthodox Faction as well as masters from the Ten Demonic Sects, yet he left almost no traces. He probably took measures to prevent anyone from uncovering the evidence.”
Bu Eun-seol realized another thing.
The Seven-Branched Demonic Saber had also strived to leave no trace of his martial arts.
“I don't understand.”
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
“If what you say is true, Pavilion Master, then the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber blackmailed the Ten Demonic Sects to become the Vice-Lord of the Demon Hall, didn't he?”
No matter how much the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber was the strongest saber master of the Demonic Path, he was still alone.
To think he blackmailed the Ten Demonic Sects, who could be considered half the military strength of the Demonic Path, to become the Vice-Lord?
That story had too many holes to be believed at face value.
“I don't know if that's even plausible.”
“Of course, there's no way to confirm any of this. Rumors are just rumors.”
Even if Hwa Jung-cheon's words were true, there was no way to confirm them.
If one were to ask the masters of the six demonic sects, “Did the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber blackmail you?” none of them would ever say “yes.”
“However, as if to support those rumors, the ultimate techniques of the Ten Demonic Sects developed dazzlingly thereafter.”
Hwa Jung-cheon said with a meaningful expression.
“As if they were trying to compensate for their unique arts being exposed. Moreover, all the compatibilities that existed between the Ten Demonic Sects disappeared.”
Bu Eun-seol, who had been deep in thought, spoke.
“In that case, couldn't the rumors be interpreted differently?”
“What do you mean?”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“The Vice-Lord gave the six demonic sects the secret to dazzlingly advance their martial arts.”
“…”
“And that is why those six sects couldn't refuse the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber's proposal… so to speak.”
Hwa Jung-cheon looked slightly surprised.
“You are probably the first person to interpret those rumors that way, Spirit Lord.”
He frowned for a moment, then shook his head.
“However, no matter how I think about it, there's no chance of that. The Seven-Branched Demonic Saber was rumored to have always been on bad terms with the Ten Demonic Sects.”
He then continued.
“In fact, when he became Vice-Lord, the unity of the Ten Demonic Sects actually crumbled, and they began to suspect each other.”
“Suspect?”
“A story circulated that there was a traitor among the Ten Demonic Sects who was cooperating closely with the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber.”
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
To think that Bu Jan-yang, the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber, had walked such a complicated path within the Demon Hall.
‘Perhaps the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber intentionally spread such rumors.’
The catalyst that shatters solid unity begins with a small suspicion.
If the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber intentionally spread such rumors?
He had deliberately created a rift in the unity of the Ten Demonic Sects and made them suspect one another.
‘So that's why the White Horse Temple acted that way.’
Bu Eun-seol gave a wry smile.
He could guess why the leaders of the White Horse Temple had reacted so violently when he asked about the whereabouts of the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber.
They were worried about being branded as traitors who had cooperated with the Seven-Branched Demonic Saber.
Fearing a rumor that had circulated decades ago.
‘They are afraid.’
Bu Eun-seol finally understood.
The Demonic Path, and the Ten Demonic Sects.
They were afraid of Bu Jan-yang.
So much so that they feared he might reappear at any moment, so much that they were reluctant to sit in the seat he had left empty.
“But even if that was the will of the Ten Demonic Sects, I imagine the Heavenly Demon must have had other intentions.”
“That is unknown. The Hall Lord is generally indifferent to matters of the Demon Hall, save for a few things.”
And he told him frankly.
“Besides, from the Hall Lord's perspective, a weakening of the Ten Demonic Sects' unity is not a bad thing.”
Even though the Heavenly Demon had the Ten Demonic Sects under his command, he could not control them haphazardly.
It was a balance of power. The collective strength of the united Ten Demonic Sects was nearly equal to the power wielded by the Heavenly Demon.
In other words, the Ten Demonic Sects suspecting and checking each other was something the Heavenly Demon would be pleased about.
“Is that a sufficient answer?”
Hwa Jung-cheon's question snapped Bu Eun-seol out of his thoughts. He politely clasped his hands.
“That was very helpful.”
As Bu Eun-seol showed his respect, Hwa Jung-cheon said with a surprised expression.
“There's no need for such formalities. After all, everything we've discussed so far will be relayed to the Ten Demonic Sects.”
“Still, you broke your own principles to share this with me. For that alone, I am grateful.”
Bu Eun-seol said with a faint smile.
“I also learned that you share the same will as the Heavenly Demon, Pavilion Master.”
He could sense it from this conversation.
The Master of the Shadow Pavilion was not on the side of the Ten Demonic Sects, but was a figure who shared the Heavenly Demon's will.
If Hwa Jung-cheon had been a man of the Ten Demonic Sects, he would never have told this story, even with a knife to his throat.
“Hahaha.”
Hwa Jung-cheon let out a subtle laugh and said.
“Perhaps you haven't considered that all of this… was a directive from the Hall Lord, who predicted your moves and ordered me to tell you?”
“It seems you intend to confuse me.”
Bu Eun-seol said frankly.
“Of course, I considered that as well. The Heavenly Demon… is more than capable of such a thing.”
“Hahaha. To do so even while knowing… it seems your aim was to use me to provoke the Ten Demonic Sects once more.”
Hwa Jung-cheon, too, let out another subtle laugh, as if he had predicted Bu Eun-seol's inner thoughts.
The move Bu Eun-seol was aiming for.
He had seen through the fact that Bu Eun-seol's private meeting with him was intended to provoke the Ten Demonic Sects.
“I will say this one last time.”
Bu Eun-seol paused his steps and said in a cold voice.
“I hope you will give me no reason to cut you down, Pavilion Master.”
Hwa Jung-cheon was silent for a moment, then narrowed his eyes.
And he muttered an inscrutable phrase.
“If a man is determined, can he not overcome heaven?”
*Injeongseungcheon.* It means that through human effort, one can overcome heaven.
In other words, it means that one can change one's fate through effort.
Bu Eun-seol mulled over Hwa Jung-cheon's words for a moment, then shook his head.
“I… do not believe in such things as fate.”
Leaving those words behind, he departed from the Shadow Pavilion.
A few days later.
Bu Eun-seol convened a meeting of the Division Lords.
It was to share the information obtained from the Master of the Shadow Pavilion and to discuss future plans.
And from now on, So Ja-myeong, the Lord of the Ninth Killing Squad, was formally included in the meetings of the Division Lords.
As promised to So Ja-myeong in the past, he was implementing a step-by-step plan to bring the Ninth Killing Squad into the light.
*Creeak.*
When Bu Eun-seol entered the meeting room, the Division Lords rose and clasped their hands.
But their expressions were somber, unlike usual. It was quite different from the noisy atmosphere that always preceded their meetings.
“Is something wrong?”
Bu Eun-seol, sensing the strange atmosphere, asked. Yu Un-ryong let out a deep sigh and said.
“An invitation has arrived.”
“An invitation?”
“It's from the Fiery Rain Sword Sect.”
Yu Un-ryong handed a gilt-edged letter to Bu Eun-seol.
Slowly taking out the letter, Bu Eun-seol quickly read through it.
It was an invitation for Bu Eun-seol to the seventieth birthday celebration of Hyeonma, the Sect Master of the Fiery Rain Sword Sect.
‘They took the bait.’
For a moment, a glint flashed in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
The private meeting with the Master of the Shadow Pavilion was like casting a fishing line into the river.
And the first to bite was none other than the Fiery Rain Sword Sect.
“It's a trap.”
At that moment, So Ja-myeong spoke up.
“Right now, rumors that you, Spirit Lord, are thoroughly investigating the Vice-Lord's whereabouts have spread throughout all Ten Demonic Sects.”
He continued with an extremely serious expression.
“Furthermore, the Sect Master, Hyeonma, is said to rarely show himself, not just in the martial world, but even within the Fiery Rain Sword Sect. Some say that all the sect's affairs are already being handled by the Grand Master, the Sword Demon, Wi Hyeok-gun.”
Myo Cheon-u also nodded.
“They're a sect that has consistently maintained a hostile attitude toward us. You must not accept the invitation.”
But Bu Eun-seol calmly shook his head.
“It doesn't matter.”
“Spirit Lord.”
So Ja-myeong said with a grave expression.
“Although the Heavenly Demon stands at the pinnacle of the Demonic Path, there is a saying: ‘It is the Fiery Rain Sword Sect that supports the demonic martial world.’ That is how powerful their influence is.”
So Ja-myeong's words were no exaggeration.
The Fiery Rain Sword Sect was the largest single faction in the Demonic Path, and wielded immense influence accordingly.
Some even said that the true leader of the Demonic Path was not the Heavenly Demon, but the master of the Fiery Rain Sword Sect.
“If you go there, your life cannot be guaranteed. Even if the Heavenly Demon were to investigate… if it happens within the Fiery Rain Sword Sect's territory, they will be confident they can cover it up perfectly.”
Seeing Bu Eun-seol's expression remain unchanged, So Ja-myeong spoke again, seriously.
“Is there really a need to take such a risk to meet the Sect Master of the Fiery Rain Sword Sect?”
“There is.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“Because our goals are the same.”
“Pardon?”
“Just as they intend to uncover my intentions, I intend to thoroughly uncover their situation and intentions.”
He continued with a cold smile.
“And now, the Fiery Rain Sword Sect has voluntarily given me the chance to investigate. How could I possibly miss this opportunity?”
“You can't.”
So Ja-myeong earnestly objected once more.
“The Fiery Rain Sword Sect has invited only you, Spirit Lord. This means you can only bring a single attendant with you.”
He continued.
“Within the Fiery Rain Sword Sect's sphere of influence, not even the Ninth Killing Squad can be on standby. They would find and expel them immediately.”
He spoke indirectly, but his point was clear.
Once inside the Fiery Rain Sword Sect, not even Bu Eun-seol could guarantee his life.
“It's fine.”
“Spirit Lord.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“Without taking such a risk, how could I investigate the Fiery Rain Sword Sect, the so-called number one sect of the Demonic Path?”
But So Ja-myeong still wore a look of incomprehension.
To walk into the Fiery Rain Sword Sect of his own accord with only a single retainer? No matter how outstanding Bu Eun-seol's martial arts and intellect were, it was an incredibly reckless plan.
Just then, Yu Un-ryong nodded as if he had realized something.
“So you anticipated that the Ten Demonic Sects would make contact from the moment you met with the Master of the Shadow Pavilion.”
“Correct.”
“Do you have a plan?”
When Bu Eun-seol nodded, Yu Un-ryong nodded back in relief.
“Then that's settled.”
His eyes were filled with trust.
Bu Eun-seol might seem reckless, but he never acted rashly. This was a fact known to everyone in the Four Shadows Hall.
“Hmm.”
So Ja-myeong hummed thoughtfully.
He too was well aware of Bu Eun-seol's intellect and abilities. But this time, he just couldn't understand.
However, since all the Division Lords were looking at him with such trust, he had nothing more to say.
“Then, is there nothing for my squad to do?”
*Thud.*
At So Ja-myeong's question, Bu Eun-seol took a small box from his robes and placed it on the table.
“Give this to the fastest member of the Ninth Killing Squad.”
“Where should it be delivered?”
“To the Wolf Fang Pavilion on Sword Plume Mountain. Deliver this box and a letter to Master Cheol there.”
“This… to the Wolf Fang Pavilion?”
“Yes. Give it to Master Cheol along with the letter, and he will understand.”
So Ja-myeong didn't understand, but he bowed his head.
“Understood.”
“Then the attendant should be either me or Division Lord Wi.”
At that moment, Myo Cheon-u stroked his chin.
Among the Division Lords, Myo Cheon-u's martial arts were the most outstanding.
But Wi Cheon-gyeong's movement techniques were as fast as Bu Eun-seol's, and his insight and intellect were exceptional.
Therefore, depending on the situation, he was someone who could be of greater help to Bu Eun-seol than anyone else.
“That has also been decided.”
“Who is it?”
“Won Se-mun.”
Bu Eun-seol pointed to Won Se-mun, who was sitting dazedly with bloodshot eyes.
“Huh?”
He had drunk heavily all night and come straight to the meeting, so not only his eyes but also his face was slightly flushed.
“M-me, sir?”
Won Se-mun's eyes widened, and Bu Eun-seol nodded.
“Yes.”
“Hahaha!”
He suddenly shot up from his seat, clapping his hands.
“The Spirit Lord finally recognizes my true worth!”
“Absolutely not.”
Just then, Wi Cheon-gyeong and Jo Nam-cheon stood up at the same time and said in unison.
“You know full well that guy can't tell his head from his tail!”
“That's right. Anyone but Won Se-mun.”
Following them, Yu Un-ryong said with a worried expression.
“The Fiery Rain Sword Sect has always been petty. From the moment you arrive, they will do everything they can to undermine your dignity, my Lord.”
The Division Lords desperately objected.
To take the greatest troublemaker of the Four Shadows Hall—no, of the entire Demon Hall—as the sole companion to the treacherous Fiery Rain Sword Sect, where one's head could roll at any moment?
“It is already decided.”
As Bu Eun-seol made a firm expression, the Division Lords shook their heads as if they had no choice.
In the end, it was decided that he would visit the Fiery Rain Sword Sect—a place said to be more terrifying and dangerous than the Hall of Yama—with only Won Se-mun by his side.