Chapter 386
Chapter 386
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 386
Chapter Title: The Hunt Begins
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The expression on the face of the deceased Shim Wol seemed to vividly portray the terror and agony he must have felt in hell.
Sssss.
Something flowed out from Shim Wol’s dantian, emitting a white smoke before instantly evaporating.
“So this was… the melted artificial inner core.”
Bu Eun-seol finally understood.
The Phantom King, Sa Ok-cheong.
When he had died, hadn’t a thick, bloody substance emerged from his body along with a pale smoke?
At the time, he thought it was a poison Sa Ok-cheong carried within him… but it had been the trace of a melted artificial inner core.
“So that’s why he drank blood.”
Since Sa Ok-cheong had also ingested an artificial core, he must have been plagued by an uncontrollable killing intent.
That was why he had created the fictional persona of the Black and White Witch, constantly suppressing his surging murderous urges by drinking people’s blood.
‘But Lord Hyukryeon, of all people.’
Bu Eun-seol was confused.
Lord Hyukryeon had not yet returned from outside the pass. How could he have given Shim Wol the artificial core?
Swoosh.
Just then, numerous warriors descended from the sky.
They were the masters of the Four Shadows Hall, led by Yu Un-ryong.
Discovering Shim Wol’s gruesome corpse, Yu Un-ryong let out a sigh.
“So it ended like this.”
“What about Jin Sang-hwa?”
“Masters from the Demonic Sanctum have arrived to escort her back. But as for the Clear Fragrance Sect…”
Yu Un-ryong bit his lip.
“Because of this madman, the Sanctum’s reputation will be dragged through the mud. And he brutally murdered the disciples of the Clear Fragrance Sect… I don’t know how we’re going to resolve this.”
“There’s no need to worry.”
Bu Eun-seol said.
“The Heavenly Demon Emperor will take care of it.”
“Huh? The Heavenly Demon Emperor?”
Yu Un-ryong shook his head.
“The Heavenly Demon Emperor is in seclusion.”
“He will emerge. The Grand Commander will likely inform him.”
Bu Eun-seol’s expression was resolute.
“This concerns Jin Sang-hwa, after all.”
It was said the Heavenly Demon Emperor cherished Jin Seol like his own daughter.
For her to be betrayed and to have endured such an ordeal… the Heavenly Demon Emperor would handle everything that followed.
“Is that so.”
Understanding the meaning behind Bu Eun-seol’s words, Yu Un-ryong nodded.
Then, as if a thought suddenly occurred to him, he spoke.
“Will Jin Sang-hwa be alright?”
“She will be fine.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“She is the flower that represents our Sanctum. She will never be crushed or brought to her knees by something like this.”
Bu Eun-seol’s prediction was correct.
The Grand Commander sought out the secluded Heavenly Demon Emperor and reported all that had transpired.
In response, the Heavenly Demon Emperor, despite his seclusion, personally stepped forward to direct the handling of the affair.
First, he personally restored the martial arts that the Clear Fragrance Sect had lost and sent three hundred spirit pills to help them cultivate outstanding disciples.
Then, in the name of the Demonic Sanctum, he issued a formal apology and paid enormous reparations to the Clear Fragrance Sect and the families of the deceased disciples.
It was such a clear and clean apology and compensation that the figures of the Orthodox Faction could find no fault.
Because of this, no one in the Orthodox Faction vehemently condemned the Demonic Path or the Demonic Sanctum.
What was strange was the Heavenly Demon Emperor’s reaction.
Even though a disciple of the Myriad Arts Hall had suddenly turned into a murderous demon and committed unforgivable atrocities.
Even though his cherished Jin Seol had faced a great trial and tribulation, he did not order a detailed investigation or reprimand those involved.
It was as if he already knew everything.
Bu Eun-seol wanted to go to the Heavenly Demon Emperor and ask.
—Do you know about the Three Realms that are throwing the martial world into chaos?
—If you do, why are you not stopping them?
But the Heavenly Demon Emperor would not give him an answer. If he had intended to, he would have told him long ago.
The Heavenly Demon Emperor was a being who symbolized chaos.
Throughout countless wars, he had destroyed not only numerous masters.
But also the order and ideologies established in both the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions… he had destroyed everything that man could break.
Unless one reached a level where they could stand against the ‘phenomenon’ he created… one would never be able to grasp his true intentions.
On the other hand, the position of Elder Hall Master Jeok Bung became very precarious.
No matter the excuse, he could not escape the criticism of having raised his disciple poorly.
—I shall step down from my position as Elder Hall Master and enter seclusion.
Feeling the weight of his responsibility, Jeok Bung stepped down from his position and went into seclusion.
But that would only be for a short while.
He was a man so consumed by ambition that he had used his disciple, Shim Wol, like a pawn.
Before long, he would return and try to seize power in any way he could.
* * *
The atmosphere in the Demonic Sanctum was unsettled for some time.
Shim Wol, the disciple of the Elder Hall Master, was a murderer who had indiscriminately slaughtered martial artists and commoners alike?
Because of him, the secluded Heavenly Demon Emperor had emerged to formally apologize to the Clear Fragrance Sect, and the Demonic Sanctum had paid a huge sum in reparations.
Elder Hall Master Jeok Bung had gone into seclusion, and Jin Seol, known as the flower of the Demonic Sanctum, had also gone into retreat.
As a result, various events planned by the Demonic Sanctum were all canceled.
In short, everyone in the Demonic Sanctum had been greatly disgraced.
Yet, there was one person whose honor and prestige remained untarnished: the Martial Soul Lord, Bu Eun-seol.
He had pursued the Shadowless Murderous Demon that was plaguing the martial world, caught him by the tail, and, despite knowing his identity as a disciple of the Myriad Arts Hall, had executed him without hesitation.
For his fair and just attitude, the Orthodox Faction went so far as to give Bu Eun-seol the moniker, ‘The Righteous Man of the Demonic Path.’
Of course, the figures of the Demonic Path were not pleased with this assessment of Bu Eun-seol…
But they couldn’t very well stop the Orthodox Faction from praising him.
Demon Suppression Pavilion, Bu Eun-seol’s office.
He paid no mind to the atmosphere in the martial world or the Demonic Sanctum, instead focusing on handling the tasks piled up before him one by one.
—They are called the Three Realms, and the one currently stirring up the martial world is the First Realm, the Infinite Realm…
Suddenly, Shim Wol’s last words came to mind.
—Find Lord Hyukryeon…
The one who gave him the inner core, the agent of the Three Realms hidden within the Demonic Sanctum, was the Law Protector Hall Lord, Hyukryeon Eung?
This was a grave matter that Bu Eun-seol could not keep to himself.
‘Even if the Heavenly Demon Emperor lets it slide, the Sanctum cannot simply overlook this.’
The Law Protector Hall Lord of the Demonic Sanctum was a pawn of an external force? Setting aside his own position as the successor, a proper investigation had to be launched.
Bu Eun-seol immediately sought out the Grand Commander, Yeop Hyo-cheon.
The Heavenly Demon Emperor had once again entered seclusion, effectively stepping away from all of the Sanctum’s affairs.
As this involved investigating one of the highest-ranking leaders, the Law Protector Hall Lord, he intended to consult with Yeop Hyo-cheon.
“Lord Hyukryeon gave him an artificial inner core that amplifies his internal energy and killing intent, you say…”
However, Yeop Hyo-cheon could not accept it at all.
“All this time, Lord Hyukryeon has been on a secret mission in the Great Desert under the Lord’s orders.”
Surprisingly, Hyukryeon Eung had been carrying out a secret mission for the Heavenly Demon Emperor in the Great Desert.
‘So that’s why he hadn’t returned.’
Hyukryeon Eung, who was supposed to have returned immediately from outside the pass once his punishment was lifted.
The reason he still hadn’t returned to the Demonic Sanctum was that he was performing a secret mission given by the Heavenly Demon Emperor.
“For him to suddenly return to the Sanctum and give Shim Wol an inner core? That story makes no sense.”
“Could he not have returned in secret?”
“The Shadowless Pavilion has been diligently tracking Lord Hyukryeon’s movements. Such a thing would be impossible.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon was confident that even someone like Lord Hyukryeon could not deceive the eyes of the Shadowless Pavilion.
“In that case, it must be Shim Wol. Either he was spouting nonsense to confuse you, Lord…”
Pausing for a moment, he spoke firmly.
“Or someone who knew Lord Hyukryeon was away used that information to approach Shim Wol in disguise.”
Both were plausible.
However, Bu Eun-seol believed that Shim Wol couldn't have failed to consider such possibilities.
‘A man like Shim Wol wouldn’t have investigated so carelessly.’
Shim Wol was, after all, a member of the Myriad Arts Hall.
He wasn’t the type to swallow an inner core that supposedly made one an immortal without a second thought.
He must have thoroughly investigated Hyukryeon Eung regarding this matter.
By consuming the artificial core, he would have gained the trust of the Three Realms and been able to uncover some of the organization’s structure.
“Just in case, I will investigate again. I’ll see if there were any gaps in Lord Hyukryeon’s movements or any suspicious circumstances surrounding him.”
Though he said this, his expression suggested he wouldn't put much effort into it.
The Demonic Sanctum had already been disgraced enough by Shim Wol’s incident.
Even if Hyukryeon Eung were a spy, he would rather investigate quietly and contain the situation than hold a grand assembly to expose it.
“Understood. I will also conduct my own investigation.”
As Bu Eun-seol left the Solitary Command Pavilion, his thoughts grew even more complicated.
Was Shim Wol lying?
Or were the Grand Commander and the Shadowless Pavilion aware of the entire situation but lying about it?
Or perhaps…
‘Could Lord Hyukryeon be the leader of the Three Realms?’
Bu Eun-seol quickly shook his head.
Hyukryeon Eung was a top elder who had dedicated himself to the Demonic Sanctum for a long time.
If he were the leader of a mysterious force, there was no way the Heavenly Demon Emperor wouldn’t know.
‘Then could it be the Heavenly Demon Emperor?’
Bu Eun-seol frowned.
Could it be that all of this was the Heavenly Demon Emperor’s game? Could the leader of this organization called the Three Realms be the Heavenly Demon Emperor himself?
‘That’s unlikely.’
Strictly speaking, even as the Lord of the Demonic Sanctum, the Heavenly Demon Emperor was not completely free from the influence of the Ten Sects of the Demonic Path.
Though he was the greatest figure in the Demonic Path, the power of the Demonic Sanctum and the Ten Sects was evenly matched.
If the Heavenly Demon Emperor were the leader of the Three Realms and had the power to secretly destroy and create sects?
He would at least be running the Demonic Sanctum as he pleased and wouldn’t be in endless seclusion.
‘But…’
If Hyukryeon Eung truly was a spy for the Three Realms, why had he saved him, risking punishment?
Such an impulsive and arbitrary decision, one that even provoked backlash from the leadership, was an action a spy should never take.
‘It must be one of three things.’
Either the Heavenly Demon Emperor knew of Hyukryeon Eung’s identity and the Three Realms but was allowing it to happen.
Or Lord Hyukryeon was an individual of such incredible ability that he could deceive the Heavenly Demon Emperor.
Or… Shim Wol had simply lied.
‘There’s no need to be hasty.’
In any case, the investigation into Hyukryeon Eung had begun.
If he wasn't a spy, he would return, and everything would be revealed.
There was no need to focus his mind on a matter for which he couldn't find an immediate answer.
Besides, he had a more important problem than uncovering the martial world’s political situation or a shadowy organization.
‘With the Token of Gratitude, I should be able to find my grandfather’s killer.’
What was important to Bu Eun-seol now was finding the Divine Sage.
Now that he had the Token of Gratitude… if he could find him, he would be able to obtain the information he had yearned for most: information about the killer.
A few days later, Demon Suppression Pavilion. Bu Eun-seol’s office.
Bu Eun-seol was discussing various matters with Mu-heun, the leader of the Four Souls Brigade, the newly established secret intelligence unit of the Four Shadows Hall.
“It seems we must quickly find someone to serve as the brigade’s vice-leader.”
After a long conversation, Mu-heun spoke with a heavy expression.
“When you are out in the martial world, Lord, there is no one to discreetly follow you and handle important tasks.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
He too had pondered this for a long time but had yet to find a suitable candidate for vice-leader.
The requirements were simply too demanding.
Bu Eun-seol often roamed the martial world rather than staying in the Demonic Sanctum.
Therefore, the vice-leader needed to gather various pieces of information and deliver them directly to him while he was traveling.
They had to be not only brilliant in strategy and insight but also possess a level of lightness skill that could keep up with his own.
Currently, the only people in the Four Shadows Hall who met these conditions were Mu-heun and Wi Cheon-gyeong.
However, since Wi Cheon-gyeong was a leader in charge of a major part of the Four Shadows Hall, he couldn't become the vice-leader of the Four Souls Brigade.
Ultimately, even if he wanted to operate the Four Souls Brigade now, there was no link between him and the brigade… so they needed to find a vice-leader quickly.
“I will look for one myself again.”
“Understood.”
Knock, knock.
Just then, a knock on the door was followed by Yu Un-ryong’s voice.
“It’s Yu Un-ryong.”
“Come in.”
Seeing Mu-heun with Bu Eun-seol, Yu Un-ryong clasped his hands.
“Leader Mu.”
“Leader Yu.”
After the two exchanged brief greetings, Mu-heun spoke to Bu Eun-seol.
“I will take my leave then.”
“It’s fine. This is a matter I need to discuss with you as well, Leader Mu.”
“With me?”
As Mu-heun blinked, Yu Un-ryong glanced around for a moment before speaking in a low voice.
“I’ve found the whereabouts of the Divine Sage.”
Bu Eun-seol’s eyes widened.
The Divine Sage, a sage and mysterious figure of the martial world who had never shown himself and would not answer any questions without the Token of Gratitude.
To think they had finally found him.
“How did you find him?”
Yu Un-ryong answered Bu Eun-seol’s question immediately.
“He was caught in the information network of the Whispering Willows Agency. He has set up a fortune-telling shop in Myogaso in the South Bank Prefecture and is posing as a diviner.”
The Divine Sage had not appeared in the martial world, but when he was found, he was always said to be acting as a wandering diviner.
Moreover, Myogaso was a village where vagrants gathered, making it a very convenient place to avoid pursuers.
“The chances of it being him are high.”
At Bu Eun-seol’s words, Yu Un-ryong nodded and said.
“The problem is the Divine Sage’s principle that not only meeting him, but even finding him, is only possible for the one who possesses the Token of Gratitude.”
Yu Un-ryong spoke with a serious expression.
“In other words, while you are going to find the Divine Sage, you cannot have any escort or troops with you. Because they do not have the Token of Gratitude.”
Sighing, he shook his head.
“He has adhered to this strange principle for a long time. If you were to bring even a small number of troops… the Divine Sage would immediately leave Myogaso.”
Mu-heun, who had been listening silently, nodded.
“So, if you wish to meet him, Lord, you must go out into the martial world alone.”
“That’s right. But that is far too dangerous, which is why I intended to proceed with this matter after consulting with Leader Mu.”
Then, Bu Eun-seol cut in.
“I will go alone.”
“What?”
“You heard him. If I go to Myogaso with any kind of escort… there’s a high chance he won’t even meet me.”
“But it’s too dangerous.”
At Yu Un-ryong’s words, Bu Eun-seol gave a faint smile.
“How can I meet such a mysterious figure without taking that much risk?”
And he stated firmly once more.
“It’s impossible to accompany me without the Token of Gratitude anyway. So don’t worry about it.”
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
“I must meet him.”
Realizing his resolve was firm, Yu Un-ryong nodded with a look of resignation.
“Alright.”
Realizing his own expression was grim, Yu Un-ryong quickly put on a bright smile.
“You’ll be fine.”
Since the incident at the North Sea Ice Palace, Yu Un-ryong had always shown support and trust in Bu Eun-seol’s plans.
He had realized that was the first thing he could do to help Bu Eun-seol.
* * *
Murim Alliance, Hidden Moon Pavilion.
In the pavilion's office, a tallow lamp was lit, and at a desk, a middle-aged man in elegant robes was writing with an antique brush.
His eyes were filled with a clear light, and a refined smile graced his lips.
A lush beard grew down to his chin, and a profound wisdom sparkled in his eyes like candlelight.
He was the Grand Marshal of the Murim Alliance, Tae Sa-hyeon.
Creeak.
Suddenly, the door opened, and a man in martial robes embroidered with splendid silver thread walked in slowly.
His hair was dyed black, but his eyes were the color of the sea, a deep blue.
“You called for me, Grand Marshal.”
As the blue-eyed man clasped his hands, Tae Sa-hyeon slowly put down his brush.
“It seems your martial realm has advanced further.”
Smiling gently, he examined the blue-eyed man’s body closely and narrowed his eyes.
“Did your master impart some great martial art to you again?”
The blue-eyed man replied in a faint voice, tinged with a hint of resentment.
“How could that be? It has been well over two years since I last saw my master.”
“Is that so.”
Tae Sa-hyeon clicked his tongue with a look of pity and gestured to the reception table opposite him.
“Sit. Would you care for some tea?”
“I’m fine.”
“Huhu. Indeed, your master doesn’t enjoy tea either.”
Nodding, Tae Sa-hyeon sat down and said.
“I’ll be direct. The Martial Soul Lord has left the Demonic Sanctum and is out in the martial world alone.”
“…The Martial Soul Lord.”
A glint flashed in the blue-eyed man’s eyes.
Bu Eun-seol, the one who had suddenly appeared in the underground city in Sichuan where they were cultivating man-made flames, had blocked his sword in a single strike and even shattered his Demonic Inferno Prison.
How could he ever forget the man who had inflicted such humiliation upon him?
Unfortunately, the Grand Marshal was completely unaware of this fact.
“And Heavenly King Jo, Lord Jo, has also received this information and is preparing to travel. It is the perfect opportunity to avenge his son.”
“Then the task you wish to assign is…”
“An opportunity like this does not come easily.”
A sharp glint passed through Tae Sa-hyeon’s eyes.
“Lord Jo’s martial prowess is formidable, but that man has mastered the essence of Langya Pavilion’s martial arts and possesses a tenacious life force. Not to mention, he can instantly steal his enemy’s techniques.”
He spoke in a solemn and resolute voice.
“This is a golden opportunity to eliminate that demonic scion. Do you understand what I mean?”
“Hmm.”
The blue-eyed man nodded but wore a troubled expression.
“If I do that, I doubt Lord Jo will let me be.”
“Hahaha. Do not worry. How could he touch the disciple of a man who is a pillar of our Alliance?”
The blue-eyed man frowned.
“Only a few besides you, Grand Marshal, know that fact, do they not? I am a spy who has not even been officially registered with the Murim Alliance… no, I am but a ghost.”
“A ghost, you say.”
Tae Sa-hyeon spoke as if the notion was absurd.
“The reason your master did not officially register you with the Murim Alliance is that he intends to use you for a more important purpose in the future, I heard.”
“In any case, Lord Jo doesn’t know my identity, let alone my face, does he? If I were to do such a thing, my master’s Dragon Taming Sword might just shatter my neck.”
“I will take care of the aftermath, so do not worry.”
Tae Sa-hyeon said in a low voice.
“If you handle this matter properly, I will personally bring you into the light and guarantee you a position as a Hall Lord in our Alliance.”
For a moment, joy flashed in the blue-eyed man’s eyes.
To obtain a legitimate identity in the light, rather than being a secret agent handling the Murim Alliance’s dirty work.
Wasn’t that something he had dreamed of?
“Why are you giving me this opportunity?”
The blue-eyed man asked with a look of incomprehension.
“You have many excellent subordinates directly under you, Grand Marshal.”
“Hahaha. Though they are outstanding, how can their skills compare to yours?”
Tae Sa-hyeon said in a suggestive tone.
“If you kill him, I will recommend you for the vacant position of Deputy Lord of the Iron Blood Hall in recognition of your achievement. Then, the Grand Marshal’s Office and the Iron Blood Hall could cooperate more closely, could they not?”
The blue-eyed man finally understood Tae Sa-hyeon’s scheme.
‘He intends to place me under his command.’
Tae Sa-hyeon had been the Grand Marshal of the Murim Alliance for a long time but had failed in his duties several times.
One of those failures was the assassination of the Ten Demonic Disciples of Langya Pavilion who had come out alone from the Demonic Sanctum.
‘He could also be looking for an opportunity to bring down my master by recruiting me.’
“Will you do it?”
At Tae Sa-hyeon’s question, the blue-eyed man, who had been deep in thought, replied quietly.
“Understood.”
“You accept.”
“Yes.”
“A wise decision.”
As Tae Sa-hyeon smiled, the blue-eyed man respectfully clasped his hands.
“Then I will take my leave.”
Stepping outside the pavilion, the blue-eyed man turned his head and looked back at the Hidden Moon Pavilion where Tae Sa-hyeon was.
‘His head is on the line, so he’s looking for a way out.’
The position of Grand Marshal was a key post, but unfortunately, it was also the one with the most frequent turnover.
There was an abundance of talented scholars who could replace the Grand Marshal, and with great power came great responsibility.
Furthermore, with checks from the Council of Elders and former Hall Lords, it was a position that could not be maintained without a large base of support, connections, and achievements.
‘He should have known when to let go.’
Tae Sa-hyeon was a man who should have stepped down from the Grand Marshal position long ago.
But he was somehow building achievements and using connections to hold on and on.
“His calculation must be that if I succeed, he builds a powerful achievement, and if I fail, he can at least diminish my master’s prestige.”
Tae Sa-hyeon’s intention was clear.
He would either recruit him as a trusted subordinate on this occasion or, even in failure, clip the wings of his master who kept him in check.
Success or failure, there would be no harm to Tae Sa-hyeon himself.
“But I have no reason to refuse either.”
Bu Eun-seol.
That man should have died long ago anyway. Taking care of him on this occasion wouldn’t be such a bad thing.