Chapter 379
Chapter 379
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 379
Chapter Title: The Inevitability of Shadows
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After leaving the Namgung Clan, Bu Eun-seol immediately headed for Langya Pavilion.
At first, he intended to return to Langya Pavilion to recover his weary body and mind and ask for help.
But he soon realized two things.
He was no longer a disciple to be cared for under Langya Pavilion’s wing.
And that not even Langya Pavilion could escape the clutches of that shadowy organization.
*It’s not so strange for spies to be in the righteous and unorthodox factions. In that case, the Pavilion can’t be an exception.*
Until now, he had coincidentally thwarted or destroyed the conspiracies hatched by the shadowy organization, which had planted spies throughout the martial world.
But seeing that even Namgung Pung, a direct descendant of the Namgung Clan, had become their pawn, he realized the situation was extremely serious.
The supreme rulers of the martial world.
To be able to seize and control the leaders of the righteous and unorthodox factions? Could they not be called the supreme rulers of the martial world themselves?
Moreover, their actions were not simply aimed at stirring up or dominating the martial world at their whim. They surely had a grander objective.
And to achieve that goal, they were planting spies in various factions and manipulating their leaders.
As the successor to the Demonic Cult and the rightful heir of Langya Pavilion, this was not a matter he could take lightly.
*In any case, they already have the upper hand in terms of intelligence.*
Bu Eun-seol mobilized his intelligence network with all his might, but he could not find any trace of Elder Pung, who had left the Namgung Clan.
Of course, he had expected as much.
The shadowy organization he had clashed with until now had consistently outmatched the intelligence capabilities of not just Bu Eun-seol, but the entire Demonic Cult.
But Bu Eun-seol had no intention of giving up.
He was taking his time, slowly but constantly keeping his intelligence network active.
A day would surely come when they would make a mistake, or he would be able to catch them by chance.
*There must be spies in the Pavilion, too.*
No Bong at the Cheonhwa Mountain Manor in Kaifeng had seen right through the discovery of the artificial inner core at Langya Pavilion.
That meant they also had a clear view of Langya Pavilion’s internal affairs.
Bu Eun-seol first informed Jeolcheon Myeolji and Muha Suyu-jeong of this and ordered them to root out any potential spies.
And he was now going to Langya Pavilion in person to inform Dan Cheong and consult with him.
Langya Pavilion, Clear Wind Hall.
This was the office of Dan Cheong, the Vice Pavilion Lord of Langya Pavilion.
His workload had exploded due to the recent sharp increase in disciples and household matters.
As a result, he rarely had a quiet day and was always buried in his office, wrestling with various documents.
But right now, there were no documents in sight in his office, and Dan Cheong was sitting very leisurely, enjoying his tea.
The reason he could afford this idle life.
It was because as Langya Pavilion’s scale grew uncontrollably, he had, after much deliberation, established the General Affairs Bureau, divided into three departments, to assist with his duties.
The First Department assisted Dan Cheong, the Vice Pavilion Lord who effectively managed Langya Pavilion in place of the Pavilion Lord, and was responsible for gathering and coordinating information between various units.
The Second Department efficiently managed and operated assets, while the Third Department handled Langya Pavilion’s various events and ceremonies.
Thanks to the General Affairs Bureau, Dan Cheong was finally able to escape the endless hell of paperwork.
And now, he could enjoy a relaxed life, only needing to check the documents that came up from the General Affairs Bureau.
*Knock, knock.*
Just then, a low knock on the door was heard, along with a servant’s voice.
“The Martial Soul Lord has arrived.”
“Let him in.”
Dan Cheong said in a relaxed voice, setting down his teacup.
He had already heard from the Wind and Cloud Troupe that Bu Eun-seol was on his way to Langya Pavilion.
“Vice Pavilion Lord.”
The door opened, and a tall man in gray robes bowed his head.
It was Bu Eun-seol, who had come straight here from the Namgung Clan.
*Clink.*
Dan Cheong, who had been looking at Bu Eun-seol, set down his teacup with a startled expression.
*The fluctuations of his true qi have completely vanished?*
For a martial artist of Bu Eun-seol’s level, the disappearance of true qi fluctuations…
Wasn’t that something only possible upon reaching the realm of the Golden Origin of the Six Harmonies, where internal energy was not stored in the dantian but spread evenly throughout all meridians and acupoints?
“Y-Yes.”
Dan Cheong nodded with an expression of complete resignation and said.
“The, the air in the Demonic Cult must be good for you.”
His eyes had lost their focus.
Come to think of it, Bu Eun-seol had never once followed a normal progression in his martial arts.
“The air… you say?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
Dan Cheong shook his head.
He had decided to stop trying to understand or accept the speed of Bu Eun-seol’s martial arts development altogether.
“So, what brings you here? A busy Lord like yourself?”
Noticing Bu Eun-seol’s troubled expression, Dan Cheong gestured to the seat opposite him.
“First, sit. Let’s talk over a cup of tea.”
When a servant brought tea, Bu Eun-seol reflexively checked what kind it was.
It was a habit born from being tormented by so many tea-loving masters.
*The Vice Pavilion Lord drinks simple mountain tea.*
The tea Dan Cheong was drinking was an inexpensive kind, made from wild tea leaves that were simply roasted and fermented.
*Well, it makes sense.*
Bu Eun-seol nodded inwardly.
Tea was a luxury item.
No matter how much their circumstances had improved, Langya Pavilion was still Langya Pavilion. Dan Cheong was upholding the duty of a martial artist and maintaining a frugal lifestyle.
*Slurp.*
Bu Eun-seol took a light sip of the tea.
It had an ordinary taste that could be found anywhere, but Bu Eun-seol felt as full as if he had eaten a warm, home-cooked meal.
“Alright, now tell me. What on earth has happened?”
“There is something I haven’t told you until now.”
Bu Eun-seol said, setting down his teacup.
He began to recount in detail the various things he had experienced while traveling through the martial world.
However, he did not speak of the Seven-Branched Demonic Sword. It was not yet the right time to speak of it rashly.
“…A shadowy organization that can not only restore an annihilated sect in an instant, but also has the Beggar’s Sect Chief as a spy and can win over a direct blood relative of the Namgung Clan.”
Even after hearing the whole story, Dan Cheong was not particularly surprised.
“Well, it’s not common. But it’s not exactly a rare occurrence in the martial world, is it?”
“Is… that so?”
Bu Eun-seol couldn’t hide his surprise.
He had expected Dan Cheong to jump up after hearing the story, call for Baek Yeon, and immediately order an investigation into the truth.
But Dan Cheong’s expression was so calm, almost indifferent, as if he were listening to a story about a distant relative he had little interest in.
“If you look back at the long history of the martial world, shadowy organizations hiding their identity and purpose, trying to control everything from behind the scenes, have always existed.”
Dan Cheong said calmly.
“Unlike the righteous factions, which proclaim the banner of establishing order in the martial world, the demonic and unorthodox paths have always prioritized profit and power. In other words, the two forces walk entirely different paths.”
Dan Cheong took a sip of the now-cool tea and continued.
“The reason alliances like the Demonic Cult and the Martial Alliance emerged at the same time is precisely that such shadowy organizations have always inevitably existed in the martial world.”
“Are you saying the emergence of these alliances is because of shadowy organizations?”
“That’s right. Secret societies and shadowy organizations always possess strong unity and formidable power, don’t they?”
Dan Cheong smiled as if it were obvious.
“While defeating a single clan isn’t difficult… defeating a massive alliance like the Demonic Cult or the Martial Alliance is extremely hard. So their creation was only natural, wasn’t it?”
Bu Eun-seol’s eyes widened.
What Dan Cheong was saying was a completely new perspective, something Bu Eun-seol had never considered before.
“I haven’t uncovered their objective yet… but I’ve heard they move the various factions as they please and have orchestrated the bloody conflicts in the martial world until now.”
Bu Eun-seol asked with an utterly serious expression.
“Are you saying such things are also natural?”
“Hmm. Well, it is rather grand… but from a broader perspective, it’s not much different.”
Seeing Bu Eun-seol’s uncomprehending expression, Dan Cheong calmly explained.
“Regardless of whether they are righteous or unorthodox, martial sects constantly strive to expand their power. The demonic path achieves this by swallowing other sects or taking control of nearby commercial districts to receive tribute.”
“…”
“The righteous factions also form alliances with various powers or exert great influence in many areas through their overwhelming intelligence networks.”
He looked Bu Eun-seol straight in the eye and spoke.
“As you can see, the powers of the martial world are entities that inevitably use various strategies to exert great influence in many areas. The only difference is whether the target is a single clan or the entire martial world.”
In that moment, Bu Eun-seol looked as if he had been struck on the back of the head.
Dan Cheong’s story was a concept that Bu Eun-seol had never even imagined until now.
“As I said, there have been many secret societies in the martial world since ancient times. Planting spies in various factions or secretly manipulating people to achieve their goals is all too common.”
“You say it’s common…”
“The Imperial Palace.”
Dan Cheong said, crossing his arms.
“For generations, the Imperial Palace has attempted to control the martial world to its liking. Therefore, most of what you’d call shadowy organizations have come from the palace.”
“I see.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
When they were cultivating the Inhwa in the underground city, the Eastern Depot had been involved with that organization.
“However…”
Bu Eun-seol could feel it instinctively.
The leader behind all these incidents was by no means a figure from the Imperial Palace.
“From what I’ve experienced, it seems to me that even the Imperial Palace might be nothing more than a pawn on their board.”
“That could be. Listening to your story… it seems they’ve already taken control of the martial world.”
Dan Cheong smiled as he looked at Bu Eun-seol’s complicated expression.
“In any case, it is because such things have happened repeatedly that alliances like the Demonic Cult and the Martial Alliance were born. To avoid being controlled when powerful shadowy organizations emerge.”
The Martial Alliance, on the surface, exists for the peace of the martial world, so it’s natural for various clans to join forces.
But the demonic path is different.
It is ruled solely by the logic of power and prioritizes profit.
The reason the demonic path could unite so solidly was due to these circumstances.
To protect themselves from the shadowy organizations that inevitably appear.
“If the power of a shadowy organization is too great, couldn’t it also control alliances like the Demonic Cult or the Martial Alliance?”
“Of course, that’s possible.”
Dan Cheong smiled faintly.
“If so, that too would be an inevitability.”
He paused for a moment before speaking again.
“The Demonic Cult is led by the First Demon of the demonic path and concentrates nearly half of the demonic path's power. To be able to control even that… doesn’t it mean they have more than enough power and qualification to do so?”
Dan Cheong’s words were crystal clear.
If a power exists that can sway even an alliance? That is not ‘control,’ but rightful ‘domination.’
*So this is the demonic path.*
After hearing Dan Cheong’s explanation, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
And he felt anew that the demonic and righteous paths walked different roads.
If someone were using power and schemes to dominate others? The righteous factions would see it as evil.
But in the demonic path, if someone were dominating them with power and schemes?
They would acknowledge that person as a superior being, a stronger entity, and accept it as a matter of course.
“Are you surprised?”
Dan Cheong smiled faintly as he looked at Bu Eun-seol’s face.
“I’ve known for a long time that you have the disposition of a righteous hero.”
“No, I…”
“It’s fine. This Pavilion has for generations pursued only the martial way. The boundaries between the demonic and righteous paths are faint here.”
Dan Cheong slowly rose from his seat and looked out the window.
“However, those who chase after and expose people for saving the martial world or being part of a shadowy organization are only those from the righteous factions.”
He turned his head and looked at Bu Eun-seol.
“If you aim for the pinnacle of the demonic path, how about building power and influence so strong that no such shadowy organization could ever touch you?”
Dan Cheong’s words came as another new shock to Bu Eun-seol.
Though he had lived as a demonic practitioner, Bu Eun-seol had never once dominated or oppressed others.
On the contrary, his actions were closer to those of a righteous hero.
But Dan Cheong believed that the emergence of secret societies and shadowy organizations in the martial world was inevitable.
And that it was natural for the strong to rule the weak.
He was telling Bu Eun-seol that, if possible, he should become a figure who could swallow even those organizations.
*All I had to do… was become stronger?*
From the perspective of a demonic practitioner, that would be the solution.
If he became stronger, if he possessed power that no one could touch.
“Of course, to do that, you must first uncover your enemy.”
Only then did Bu Eun-seol realize he had forgotten the most important reason he had come to Langya Pavilion.
“Couldn’t there be… such a spy in this Pavilion as well?”
“Hahaha. Is that why you came here so suddenly?”
“Yes.”
When Bu Eun-seol answered honestly, Dan Cheong laughed heartily.
“It doesn’t matter if there is such a spy in this Pavilion.”
And with an expression full of pride, he spoke.
“Because that spy will also become a true disciple of this Pavilion.”
In that moment, Bu Eun-seol understood.
No one could control or shake Langya Pavilion, which was united by its warrior spirit.
If a spy were to enter… he would soon have to leave Langya Pavilion, or he would be reborn as a true disciple of Langya Pavilion.
“I see.”
Bu Eun-seol felt a sense of pride.
No matter the situation, Langya Pavilion would not be swayed. No matter how powerful a force emerged.
Langya Pavilion was Langya Pavilion.
That fact would not change.
Dan Cheong, looking at Bu Eun-seol, wore a faint smile.
“Baek Yeon will be back in a few days. After that, we will mobilize the Wind and Cloud Troupe and find information about that shadowy organization together. We must at least find out who the enemy is.”
“Understood. Thank you.”
Bu Eun-seol’s heart felt much lighter.
It was because he had the steadfast backing of Langya Pavilion.
And because he had confirmed that even in the demonic path, ruled by the logic of power, there were things that did not change.
* * *
After returning to the Demonic Cult directly from Langya Pavilion, Bu Eun-seol once again convened a meeting of the Grand Lords of the Four Shadows Hall.
Considering the importance of information, Grand Lord So Ja-myeong of the Annihilation Squad was naturally included.
“…And that is what happened.”
Bu Eun-seol explained everything—that the Beggar’s Sect Chief and a direct blood relative of the Namgung Clan belonged to the shadowy organization.
And that there was a high probability that the shadowy organization existed in all factions, righteous and unorthodox, and within their leadership.
“…”
Silence fell over the meeting room, and a heavy atmosphere seemed to settle.
Puppets.
If such a force existed in the martial world? Then they were all puppets on a board, dancing to their tune.
“It seems we’ll have to delay the main force’s emergence into the light a little longer.”
After a long silence, Grand Lord So Ja-myeong of the Annihilation Squad spoke with a bitter smile.
“If everything the Lord Commander says is true, then our main force should not step into the light just yet.”
All the Grand Lords nodded.
What Bu Eun-seol needed most right now was a secret unit that could carry out various covert intelligence operations and secret missions from the shadows.
“Ah, and.”
Myo Cheon-u spoke up then.
“While you were away, a mad killer has been wreaking havoc throughout the Huguang region.”
While Bu Eun-seol was traveling the martial world, a cruel Slaughter Fiend had appeared.
He roamed the vast Huguang region, indiscriminately slaughtering not only martial artists but also common people, day and night.
As a result, numerous martial artists, and even the Martial Alliance, had dispatched experts to investigate, but they had yet to find any trace of him.
“He’s not alone.”
Bu Eun-seol said as if it were obvious.
“A mere martial world Slaughter Fiend wouldn’t be able to escape the Martial Alliance’s pursuit.”
Unless one possessed a considerable intelligence network, shaking off the Martial Alliance’s pursuit was impossible.
“I suppose you’re right.”
Myo Cheon-u said, crossing his arms.
“Since nothing has been uncovered so far, the people of the martial world are calling him the Shadowless Slaughter Fiend.”
At that, Wi Cheon-gyeong, who had been listening silently, spoke.
“But to say he has a backer, this man’s methods are completely different from any Slaughter Fiend that has appeared before.”
After that, Bu Eun-seol discussed several other matters regarding the state of the martial world with the Grand Lords.
“Then we’ll conclude today’s meeting here.”
As Bu Eun-seol was about to rise from his seat, Yu Un-ryong spoke.
“Ah, and this is nothing major, but.”
He hesitated for a moment, then spoke with an embarrassed expression.
“There’s some rather surprising news.”
“Surprising news?”
“It’s about Jin Sang-hwa. She’s engaged to a disciple from the Myriad Learning Hall.”
At this, not only Bu Eun-seol but also the other Grand Lords looked puzzled.
For someone of Jin Seol’s stature to be betrothed to a mere disciple of the Myriad Learning Hall?
“That’s absurd. It must be a false rumor.”
Won Se-mun waved his hand dismissively.
“What could Jin Sang-hwa possibly be lacking to marry some nobody disciple from the Myriad Learning Hall?”
But Bu Eun-seol nodded and said.
“It must be Shim Wol.”
“Huh? You knew?”
Yu Un-ryong asked in surprise.
“That’s right. The name of the man engaged to Jin Sang-hwa is Shim Wol.”
“I didn’t know. I’ve just… met him a few times.”
“You’ve met him?”
“Yes. For a disciple of the Myriad Learning Hall, his martial arts and wisdom are exceptional.”
Bu Eun-seol recounted his past encounters with Shim Wol.
And even the fact that he had tried to draw him under the Elder Hall Lord.
“He likely has another identity, or a separate reason for joining the Myriad Learning Hall.”
At Bu Eun-seol’s words, So Ja-myeong nodded.
“The Lord Commander had already guessed as much.”
And then he revealed a surprising fact.
“Shim Wol. He is no ordinary disciple of the Myriad Learning Hall, but a nominal disciple of the Elder Hall Lord.”
“A nominal disciple?”
Myo Cheon-u, who was listening, asked with a look of great surprise.
“How could a disciple of one of the Three Demons be in the Myriad Learning Hall?”
“Isn’t the Myriad Learning Hall the place that handles various major and minor affairs of our Cult? As such, it’s the best place to get noticed by the Cult’s leadership.”
So Ja-myeong looked at Bu Eun-seol and said.
“Perhaps if the Ten Demonic Successors plan hadn’t existed, he would have been recommended by the Elder Hall Lord and become a candidate for the succession of the Demonic Cult.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded in agreement.
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor and the Elder Hall Lord each had the authority to select one successor candidate in addition to those from the Ten Demonic Sects.
And Bu Eun-seol had long suspected that Shim Wol was a figure related to Jeok Bung.
If that were the case, he had expected that Shim Wol would one day become a candidate for the succession and compete with him.
But contrary to his expectations, he did not enter the succession race.
And in the end, after various trials, Bu Eun-seol, who had received the support of all demonic practitioners, became the successor.
“For such a person to give up his ambition and marry Jin Sang-hwa. Isn’t that strange in itself?”
At Yu Un-ryong’s words, So Ja-myeong shook his head.
“The Elder Hall Lord utterly despises those who fail to produce results. It seems there is no exception, even for his own disciples.”
Bu Eun-seol’s eyes deepened.
Even if that was Jeok Bung’s personality, to throw away a valuable piece like Shim Wol on a marriage to Jin Sang-hwa?
Moreover, the marriage of those two would have no impact whatsoever on the power dynamics of the Demonic Cult.
No matter how he thought about it, from Jeok Bung’s perspective, it was a calculation that didn’t add up.
*Something is going on.*
Bu Eun-seol felt an unprecedented sense of foreboding.
And that intuition of his had never once been wrong.