Chapter 399
Chapter 399
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 399
Chapter Title: Seon U-jin
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Yu Un-ryong said with a serious expression.
“If you thought there was a spy, shouldn't you have avoided mentioning the Divine Calculator?”
Little personal information about the Divine Calculator was known in the martial world.
However, this encounter with Bu Eun-seol suggested that his true identity was the leader of the Martial Alliance, or at least someone in its highest echelons.
If there was a mole among the commanders colluding with outsiders, such information was critical and must never be revealed.
“I let it slip on purpose. Whatever the Divine Calculator's identity is, it won't affect what I intend to do.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“One thing is certain: if there's a spy in the Hall of the Four Shadows… they will feel secure after today. They'll think they're completely above suspicion. And eventually, they will make a mistake.”
Even if the spy knew the Divine Calculator's identity, it would not significantly impact Bu Eun-seol's future plans.
Instead, he used this to generously share crucial information with the commanders, creating the impression that he held no suspicions.
In other words, he had set a trap of complacency for the potential spy in the Hall of the Four Shadows.
“Don't tell me Cheon-u… is he also a suspect?”
Yu Un-ryong gave a bitter smile.
Only he and Bu Eun-seol knew of this secret chamber's existence.
This meant that even Myo Cheon-u, one of the Ten Demonic Masters who had joined the Demonic Palace alongside him, was under suspicion.
“I told you. I'm just considering the possibility.”
“I know. I know it's entirely possible. But…”
Yu Un-ryong trailed off, his expression downcast.
Unlike himself, whose origins were clearly documented, Myo Cheon-u's background was quite vague, with nothing definitively proven.
That was why even in the Shadowless Pavilion's files, which had investigated his background…
a note had been added: ‘Identity unconfirmed. Caution advised.’
“I'm sorry.”
Uncharacteristically, Bu Eun-seol looked at Yu Un-ryong with an apologetic expression.
“For placing more and more burdens on you.”
From now on, only Yu Un-ryong would know of Bu Eun-seol's every move and his activities in the martial world.
This meant that unless Muheun and Soyo of the Soul Severing Unit stepped forward, he would have to discuss and decide everything with him.
Yu Un-ryong's workload would become far heavier than it already was.
Not only that, but he would also have to establish strict security measures to prevent information from leaking to the other commanders.
Without ever letting go of his suspicion…
While suspecting everyone.
“Sorry for what?”
Yu Un-ryong deliberately forced a bright smile.
If he also looked gloomy, Bu Eun-seol's heart would only grow heavier. That was the last thing he wanted.
“Have you finished the investigation on the Seonhwa Merchant Guild?”
“Of course.”
Yu Un-ryong took out three thick booklets from his robes.
Two of them were the information on Seon U-jin and the martial arts manual that the Divine Calculator had given Bu Eun-seol.
The third contained Yu Un-ryong's detailed investigation into the Seonhwa Merchant Guild, along with all the personal information and rumors concerning its supposed heir, Seon U-jin.
Immediately upon entering the Demonic Palace, Bu Eun-seol had given Yu Un-ryong the books from the Divine Calculator and had him re-investigate to confirm their accuracy.
“I don't know if the Divine Calculator is the Martial Alliance Leader or what, but he certainly created a proper dual identity.”
Yu Un-ryong said, looking at the booklets.
“Almost no one knows his face, but his history is perfectly fabricated. This wasn't meant for short-term use… it was an identity meant to be used for a long time.”
Seon U-jin, the heir of the Seonhwa Merchant Guild.
The Divine Calculator had invested immense wealth and time to create a flawless dual identity that no intelligence organization in the world could find fault with.
“And the martial arts manual is even more incredible.”
Yu Un-ryong pointed to the manual on the table.
“Not just dagger techniques and the Flower Grafting Art, but also swordsmanship and movement techniques… these are skills that border on the supreme arts of the Orthodox Faction. In short, he set up Seon U-jin to have the skills of a top-tier rising star of the Orthodox Faction.”
The martial arts described in the manual were all exceptional.
Therefore, even if he displayed a powerful martial prowess contrary to what was known, it wouldn't arouse suspicion.
“So it was an identity created with a purpose from the start.”
“Yes. A meticulously crafted identity, built over a long time. The Seonhwa Merchant Guild is a real, officially registered guild, too.”
Bu Eun-seol stroked his chin.
Contrary to the rumors, the Divine Calculator was not only deeply involved in the politics of the martial world…
but he was also a thorough individual who went so far as to create a fake Divine Calculator to conceal his own identity and movements.
Why would such a man invest immense wealth and manpower to create the identity of a young rising star?
Could it be that he wasn't an old man, but actually a young man?
Or did he need such an identity because he, too, had spies planted throughout both the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions?
‘I’ll think about it later.’
These were questions he couldn't answer right now.
Pushing aside the rising questions, Bu Eun-seol quickly read through the booklet Yu Un-ryong had prepared.
Seon U-jin of the Seonhwa Merchant Guild. He had always been in charge of trade in the Outlands under the guild master's orders, so he had no activity in the Central Plains.
The reason he was able to make a name for himself in the martial world despite this was because he had dealt with countless notorious demonic bandits while trading in the Outlands.
“A truly flawless identity.”
Bu Eun-seol exclaimed in admiration.
Seon U-jin's identity and history were so perfect that they were even more complete than the ronin identity of Seol-so, which he had painstakingly crafted.
He was set up to possess martial skills far greater than what was known, and no one knew or had seen his actual deeds.
In other words, there was almost no risk of his identity being exposed.
“However, the part about being the successor to the Boundless Master bothers me.”
The book the Divine Calculator had given Bu Eun-seol contained almost the exact same information as Yu Un-ryong's investigation.
But there was one more piece of information that was not widely known.
It was the detail that Seon U-jin's martial arts were the true teachings of the Boundless Master, a legendary warrior from the Outlands.
This would allow Bu Eun-seol to display sudden, exceptional martial prowess without raising much suspicion… but the Boundless Master was, after all, a master from the Outlands.
The secret arts written in the manual were unorthodox techniques completely different from the traditional martial arts of the Central Plains. This meant he would have to invest a considerable amount of time to learn them.
“To secure a position in the Martial Alliance with this identity, you'll have to perfectly master the techniques in that book.”
“Don't worry. I learned Orthodox martial arts until I was sick of them in the Martial Emperor's Archives. Even if these are arts from the Outlands, I should be able to master them quickly.”
Closing the book, Bu Eun-seol nodded at Yu Un-ryong.
“You’ve worked hard.”
Yu Un-ryong had become a meticulous strategist, one that even Bu Eun-seol could find no fault with.
Even if the Divine Calculator hadn't provided the information, just by familiarizing himself with the booklet Yu Un-ryong had so thoroughly researched…
Bu Eun-seol could become the perfect Seon U-jin.
“You're heading to the Martial Alliance now, right?”
When Bu Eun-seol nodded, Yu Un-ryong spoke with vigor.
“Have a safe trip. Don't worry about things at the Demonic Palace.”
“Will you be alright?”
“Of course. Seo Jin-ha will be here soon, right? Things will get a lot easier for me then.”
“Yes. That’s right.”
A smile graced the lips of both Bu Eun-seol and Yu Un-ryong as they thought of Seo Jin-ha.
A friend.
In this desolate martial world, that single word was the only thing that could make a man smile.
* * *
The Martial Alliance was always on the lookout to recruit talented individuals.
And to naturally draw in the talents scattered throughout the martial world, they chose a very simple method.
The Tournament of Renowned Masters.
Periodically, they would select outstanding rising stars and invite them to the Martial Alliance for a banquet under the name of the Tournament of Renowned Masters.
To be chosen from among countless individuals and be recognized as a ‘Renowned Master’ by the Martial Alliance…
It naturally became a matter of great pride among the rising stars.
And the young martial artists all yearned to participate in the Tournament of Renowned Masters.
Moreover, this year’s tournament was a little special.
—At this year's Tournament of Renowned Masters, through a martial tournament, we will recruit outstanding individuals to our Alliance to carry out independent missions throughout the lands!
When the Martial Alliance announced this, countless rising stars were ecstatic.
Even for a disciple of a major sect, becoming a commander in the Martial Alliance without connections and fame was extremely difficult.
But to select commanders from among the rising stars through a martial tournament? It was truly an unprecedented event.
—I heard that only about fifty people were chosen for this year's Tournament of Renowned Masters.
However, a rumor spread that only about fifty rising stars were invited to this year's tournament.
That was less than half the usual number of participants.
Eventually, the rising stars who were not invited protested to the Martial Alliance.
But their complaints were lightly dismissed with the reason that only individuals skilled enough to be considered for a commander position had been selected.
In the end, the countless rising stars who harbored dreams of glory tasted bitterness and turned away, dejected.
Clip-clop. Clip-clop.
An eight-horse carriage that had been galloping down the main road came to a halt before the entrance of the Martial Alliance with the driver's cry of "Whoa."
Click.
The door opened, and a handsome man dressed in splendid silk robes with a folding fan tucked at his waist slowly alighted from the carriage.
He was tall with clear eyes, yet he gave off a gentle and serene impression.
As the young man in silk robes approached, a guard clasped his hands together.
“How may I help you?”
“I am here to participate in the Tournament of Renowned Masters.”
The guards tilted their heads for a moment.
The rising stars selected for the Tournament of Renowned Masters were all outstanding martial artists. As such, they all carried weapons and had a sharp aura.
But the young man before them only carried a folding fan inlaid with brilliant jewels; there was no sign of a weapon anywhere.
Besides, didn't his eyes look somewhat languid and listless?
—I heard that this year's tournament includes not only those from prestigious sects but also a good number of masters from unknown schools.
It was said that this year's tournament was attended not only by disciples of great prestigious sects but also by a considerable number of masters from schools not well-known in the martial world.
Only skill.
Since they were selecting commanders who would handle various major and minor affairs in the martial world… the word was that the selection was based on outstanding skill rather than established fame.
‘He might look like that, but there must be something to him.’
With that thought, the guards clasped their hands and said.
“I see. May I have your name, please?”
The young man smiled faintly and opened his mouth.
“My name is Seon U-jin.”
Seon U-jin.
He was none other than Bu Eun-seol, using the new identity of the heir to the Seonhwa Merchant Guild, given to him by the Divine Calculator.
“Seon U-jin… Ah, you must be Young Master Seon of the Seonhwa Merchant Guild.”
The guard, after checking the identification token against a list, gestured with one hand towards Bu Eun-seol.
“Please follow me. I will guide you to the banquet hall.”
Following the guard's lead, Bu Eun-seol entered the Martial Alliance.
‘The villain who killed my grandfather is in the Martial Alliance.’
Contrary to his relaxed expression, his insides were boiling.
If what the Divine Calculator said was true, the fiend who had brutally murdered his grandfather was here, within the Martial Alliance.
‘I will uncover everything. From the very bottom, step by step.’
The fact that the Divine Calculator, presumed to be the Martial Alliance Leader, could not determine which of the Seven Grand Commanders was the culprit despite a thorough investigation…
meant that no matter how skilled an intelligence organization one employed, it was impossible to expose the Three Realms.
In that case, there was only one way.
Insert a new person into the Martial Alliance, steadily build a record of achievements and trust, and rise from the bottom…
to become an individual the Three Realms absolutely had to recruit, and thereby reach the core of its power.
However, the Martial Alliance Leader and his subordinates were already in high positions and would be under the strict surveillance of the Three Realms.
If they were to directly cultivate a spy, the chances of being discovered would be high.
‘That's why the Divine Calculator must have prepared for a long time, meticulously. To create a spy who would never be discovered.’
The identity of Seon U-jin, heir to the Seonhwa Merchant Guild, that the Divine Calculator had provided was so perfect that it would withstand any investigation.
He must have had to create a spy who was clean as a whistle, even if the powerful intelligence of the Three Realms were to investigate.
Yet, the Divine Calculator had unhesitatingly handed over this perfect card for exposing the Three Realms to Bu Eun-seol.
Because their interests aligned perfectly.
Bu Eun-seol was brilliant in both strategy and martial arts, and he desired only one thing.
The annihilation of the villain who killed his grandfather and all the members of the Three Realms related to him. And he was more desperate than anyone.
Desperate enough to throw away everything he had without hesitation.
The Divine Calculator had seen through this and had given the identity of Seon U-jin to Bu Eun-seol instead of a long-trained spy.
And Bu Eun-seol had to win this martial tournament and become a Third-Rank Commander of the Martial Alliance.
‘No need to be hasty. I just need to climb up step by step.’
Being selected as a commander in this tournament was just the beginning.
He had to continue to build achievements, earn recognition and trust, rise to a high position, and reach the core of the Martial Alliance's power.
‘Don't get too excited, Divine Calculator.’
Bu Eun-seol smiled coldly as he recalled the Divine Calculator's bizarre voice.
‘We are only using each other temporarily because our interests align.’
If it weren't for the identity provided by the Divine Calculator…
the heir of the Demonic Palace would never have been able to execute such a bold plan as to establish a foothold in the Martial Alliance and steadily build achievements to rise to the leadership.
However, there was a fatal weakness. The Divine Calculator knew that Seon U-jin was Bu Eun-seol.
In other words, there was an inherent risk of his identity being exposed at any time.
In short, the identity of Seon U-jin was perfect, but it was also bound to be temporary.
Despite this, he chose this identity for only one reason.
Because the Divine Calculator, presumed to be the Martial Alliance Leader or a top executive, desperately wanted the Martial Alliance investigated.
Of course, Bu Eun-seol had also prepared a means of escape in advance, should the Divine Calculator expose his identity.
“This is the place.”
The guard pointed to a pavilion directly in front of them.
A plaque with the name ‘Prosperity Pavilion’ was hung there, and young men and women were gathered nearby, talking amongst themselves.
“The banquet hall is prepared inside.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded at the guard's words.
“Thank you.”
His voice was clearer than usual, and his tone and gaze had become very gentle.
Seon U-jin, the heir of the Seonhwa Merchant Guild, the Sky's End Flying Dagger.
He was said to have mastered exceptional dagger techniques and the remarkable Flower Grafting Art.
Although he had subjugated numerous bands of demonic bandits while traveling to and from the Outlands, his usual disposition was known to be surprisingly gentle and mild.
Thud, thud.
Bu Eun-seol walked into the Prosperity Pavilion without hesitation.
Hubbub, hubbub.
Inside, about fifty young people were gathered in small groups, drinking and talking.
Their faces were all overflowing with confidence, and they exchanged greetings without hesitation despite not knowing each other.
The young people attending this event were the outstanding rising stars carefully selected by the Martial Alliance.
Knowing that they were all exceptional individuals, they were trying to build connections without reservation.
In the Orthodox martial world, connections were power.
By building broad relationships, one could easily gain supporters and receive help.
‘Hmm.’
Bu Eun-seol noticed a few men sitting in a corner, unable to mingle with the others.
They were skilled in martial arts but had not gained much fame, or were from second-rate sects.
Although they had been invited to the Martial Alliance, they had no acquaintance or interaction with the members of the major sects.
They were simply burning with the desire to become a Martial Alliance commander through this tournament.
Swoosh.
Bu Eun-seol sat down in a corner seat, as far from people's attention as possible.
He was here to get a position in the Martial Alliance, not to build friendships with other rising stars.
‘It’s good that I don’t stand out.’
Bu Eun-seol had put great effort into creating Seon U-jin's appearance.
A face with no unique features, designed to be as inconspicuous as possible.
But it had a kind feel to it, enough to give a favorable impression to those he met.
‘A common face that’s hard to remember is better for operations.’
The purpose of the Martial Alliance holding this tournament was to create a unit to handle major and minor affairs in the martial world and to select its commanders.
This meant that even as a third-rank unit, they would be carrying out independent missions.
Having an inconspicuous appearance, even without a disguise, would be more convenient for his activities.
‘The Martial Alliance's liquor.’
Bu Eun-seol gazed at the liquor on the table for a moment before tossing it back.
A very mild and plain liquid flowed down his throat and spread through his stomach.
‘Not bad.’
People may be divided into Orthodox and Unorthodox, but liquor is not.
The liquor served by the Martial Alliance this time was very clear and mild, similar to what was used in ancestral rites.
‘Did they brew it themselves?’
Most taverns sell strong liquor.
Their biggest customers, martial artists, have a very high tolerance for alcohol and drink even strong spirits like water.
Therefore, mild liquor is rarely sought after and is not popular. Naturally, taverns rarely make mild liquor.
But the Martial Alliance had uniquely served a mild brew.
‘This liquor is intended for the martial tournament.’
The tournament would be held the day after the banquet.
The Martial Alliance had prepared mild liquor to prevent any disruptions to the tournament that might be caused by strong drink.
—Someone used Brother Baek's name to woo a lady of the Zhongli family.
A voice from somewhere made Bu Eun-seol's eyebrow twitch.
There was only one lady of the Zhongli family in the martial world. Zhongli Sayu, the only daughter of the Needle King, Zhongli Sahyeon.
And the person who had used the name of Baek Mu-seong, the disciple of the Buddha of Fire, to approach her was none other than Bu Eun-seol himself.
—In the end, the lady of the Zhongli family came all the way to the Martial Alliance to protest. And it was only after finally seeing Brother Baek's face that she realized she had been deceived. Hahaha!
Hearing the continuing voice, Bu Eun-seol turned his head.
He was curious who would call Baek Mu-seong, the disciple of the Buddha of Fire, a brother.
‘That man is…’
The man speaking loudly in the center of the banquet hall, as if to show off.
He wore the sword of the Huashan Sect, and his hair was sharp like a blade, tied back in a unique style.
As Bu Eun-seol identified the man's face, something hot erupted in his chest.
He was Cheon Hwa-in, a Grand Master of Justice in the Martial Alliance and the disciple of the Huashan Sect who had fought Yeong Mun-ho.
Sparks flew from Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
In truth, it was the Heavenly Sword, known as the Divine Golden Eyes, who had brutally killed Yeong Mun-ho.
But it was Cheon Hwa-in who had crippled Yeong Mun-ho by unleashing the Clear Sun, Dark Chant technique of the Faint Fragrance, Lingering Shadow Sword.
As that thought came to mind, killing intent naturally began to flow from him.