Chapter 406
Chapter 406
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 406
Chapter Title: The Saintly Sword, Baekri Mujo
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A bamboo forest at the northern gate of the Martial Alliance.
There stood a scene resembling a manor, enclosed by a wall.
Passing through the lacquered main gate revealed a large flower garden and a beautifully decorated courtyard.
In front of a small pond, a pavilion was built for enjoying the scenery.
Deeper inside were a respectable hall, lodgings for the squad members, and even a dining hall.
This was the temporary residence of the Zenith Squad, arranged by Bu Eun-seol.
“Hoo.”
Gazing at the Zenith Squad's building, Yuk Cheong-a took a deep breath and stepped inside.
"Hahp!"
With a spirited cry, twenty young squad members could be seen training in the martial arts training ground inside.
They were all outstanding new martial artists of the Alliance, officially assigned to the Zenith Squad.
“Young Master Seon-u.”
Yuk Cheong-a called out to the young man standing on one side of the training ground, observing the members' training.
It was Bu Eun-seol.
“Congratulations.”
She approached and cupped her hands.
“Now we're truly comrades, part of the same family.”
“Thank you.”
As Bu Eun-seol cupped his hands, Yuk Cheong-a smiled brightly and spoke.
“There will be an appointment ceremony this afternoon. However, you were originally supposed to be directly under the Hall of Longevity. But since Elder Gu has given up on the Zenith Squad...”
The Zenith Squad was essentially founded by Elder Gu, and it was slated to be a direct subordinate unit of his Hall of Longevity.
But when he relinquished control of the Zenith Squad, the Martial Alliance was also put in a difficult position.
While the purpose of handling the major and minor affairs of the martial world was good, finding a leader capable of commanding a third-rate squad was difficult.
“Then what will happen to our squad?”
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Yuk Cheong-a replied with an embarrassed expression.
“After much discussion, it was decided that the Hall of Martial Ascendancy would take command of the Zenith Squad. But since the Hall of Martial Ascendancy only commands second-rate squads... your affiliation has been placed under one of the Seven Grand Brigades.”
“The Seven Grand Brigades, you say?”
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed.
If the Divine Calculator was right, one of the Seven Grand Masters of the Martial Alliance was the culprit who killed his grandfather.
Didn't that mean this was a chance to observe the culprit up close?
“Unfortunately, as I said, you're only affiliated with one of the Seven Grand Brigades in name.”
Yuk Cheong-a thought the reason Bu Eun-seol's eyes were sparkling...
...was due to the joy of being affiliated with the Seven Grand Brigades, which held more power than any other division and offered the possibility of rapid promotion.
“The Seven Grand Brigades are also only requesting reinforcements of second-rate squads... so currently, there's no place for a third-rate squad to be formally assigned.”
“Does that mean the Alliance Leader and the other high-ranking officials won't be attending the appointment ceremony?”
“Yes. Since the Zenith Squad is a third-rate squad, the ceremony will be a simple affair, consisting of a private meeting with your affiliated Brigade Master.”
For a moment, a hint of disappointment flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
He had hoped that at the appointment ceremony...
...he might get to see the Martial Alliance Leader, the number one figure of the Orthodox Faction who rarely showed himself.
But there was no way a figure as important as the Alliance Leader would attend the appointment ceremony for the head of a minor organization like a third-rate squad.
*‘At least it's fortunate that I get to meet one of the Seven Grand Masters.’*
His goal was to identify the spies from the Three Realms lurking within the Martial Alliance...
...and to find out which of the Seven Grand Masters was the one who killed his grandfather.
And now, he had the opportunity for a private meeting with one of them. From Bu Eun-seol's perspective, this was a stroke of luck.
*‘There's no need to be hasty.’*
In any case, Bu Eun-seol had to climb the ranks of the Martial Alliance step by step.
Of course, he would accumulate merits quickly, but the time it would take... like the process of becoming the heir of the Demonic Sanctum.
No, it could take even longer than that.
“I see. Then which of the Martial Alliance's brigades will our squad be affiliated with?”
Yuk Cheong-a said with a faint smile.
“The Star Guard Brigade.”
“The Star Guard Brigade...”
Bu Eun-seol narrowed his eyes.
The Star Guard Brigade was tasked with protecting all the key figures of the Martial Alliance.
In other words, its nature was somewhat at odds with the Zenith Squad, which was meant to handle the major and minor affairs of the martial world.
Due to Elder Gu In-jeong's arbitrary and irresponsible actions, the Zenith Squad's affiliation and command structure were now separated, leaving it in a state of limbo.
“So our squad is only formally affiliated with the Star Guard Brigade.”
“That's right.”
As Yuk Cheong-a nodded, Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
Even if it was only an affiliation, he was now under the command of a mysterious figure who rarely engaged in martial activities.
He was now under Baekri Mujo, said to be the most mysterious of the Seven Grand Masters.
Bu Eun-seol cupped his hands.
“I see. Thank you for letting me know.”
Yuk Cheong-a looked at Bu Eun-seol and spoke in a suggestive tone.
“By the way, it's quite impressive. Even for masters with vast experience in the martial world and high positions, it takes a long time to command and manage squad members.”
She continued, her eyes filled with admiration.
“To establish discipline and structure among the members in such a short time.”
“It's probably because I come from the merchant world.”
Bu Eun-seol smiled gently.
“Unlike martial artists, people like us merchants first learn how to deal with people.”
“Hehe. Young Master Seon-u, you speak as if you aren't a martial artist yourself.”
“Do I?”
Bu Eun-seol gazed at the distant sky and murmured softly.
“I've worked in a merchant caravan for a long time, so I'm not very familiar with the ways of the martial world. I only gained a small reputation and some respect because I dealt with bandits while traveling beyond the borders.”
Yuk Cheong-a shook her head and said.
“But you, Young Master Seon-u, will do better than anyone.”
As Yuk Cheong-a continued, a strange light of emotion emanated from her eyes.
“Unlike you, Young Master Seon-u, I've lived in the Martial Alliance, away from my family, since I was young. Because of that, I've seen countless outstanding individuals.”
Turning to look at Bu Eun-seol's profile, she said confidently.
“Thanks to that, I've developed an eye for recognizing those who will succeed as martial artists.”
“Is that so?”
Bu Eun-seol tried to pass it off as a joke, but Yuk Cheong-a's gaze grew more intense.
“Yes. And you, Young Master Seon-u, will definitely... rise to a high position.”
*‘She's full of ambition.’*
Yuk Cheong-a's sparkling eyes.
It wasn't just the look of someone who had discovered an outstanding junior; it was as if she had found a treasure that would fulfill her own ambitions.
“You'll need a lot of help while working for the Alliance. When that time comes, don't hesitate to seek me out.”
Reflected in the sunlight, Yuk Cheong-a's eyes glittered with an almost bewitching sheen.
“Understood?”
“Understood. Thank you.”
“Some martial artists will be here soon to guide you to the Star Guard Pavilion.”
Yuk Cheong-a revealed her white teeth and bowed slightly.
“Well then, I'll see you again.”
Watching Yuk Cheong-a's departing figure, Bu Eun-seol's gaze darkened.
*‘An ambitious and talented woman. The kind who could drag men to hell.’*
The Martial Alliance has many outstanding juniors.
Yuk Cheong-a recognized Bu Eun-seol's exceptional qualities and was trying to bring him under her influence early on.
*‘Does she intend to become an empress?’*
Watching Yuk Cheong-a's ambitious gaze, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
Yuk Cheong-a was the only daughter of the Spear King, Yuk Jang-cheon, and held the record for being the youngest Hall Master in the Martial Alliance.
She had already secured an advantageous position, enough to aim for the pinnacle of the Martial Alliance in the future.
“Commander.”
Just then, Tae Mu-ryong approached Bu Eun-seol, cupped his hands, and spoke.
“A martial artist from the Hall of Designation is asking for you, Commander. It seems they've come for the appointment ceremony.”
Bu Eun-seol gave a faint smile.
Currently, they hadn't posted any guards here.
Yet, when Yuk Cheong-a came, no one stopped her, and she could enter freely.
But when a completely unknown martial artist arrived, he was immediately stopped and asked for his identity.
This was proof that the Zenith Squad was already establishing a perfect system, even without Bu Eun-seol's direct orders.
“Understood. I will go.”
As Bu Eun-seol nodded, Tae Mu-ryong cupped his hands once more.
“Commander, now that you are the official commander... please speak more comfortably.”
Bu Eun-seol hesitated for a moment.
He suddenly felt that if he started speaking in a casual, commanding tone, his true self as Bu Eun-seol might inadvertently emerge.
*‘It wouldn't be bad to differentiate between how I act as the heir of the Demonic Sanctum and as a commander in the Martial Alliance.’*
Having made up his mind, he smiled gently and said.
“I will, gradually, as I get used to it.”
Following the martial artist from the Hall of Designation, Bu Eun-seol arrived at a mountain path near the northern gate of the Martial Alliance.
After following the path along the mountain for some time, a plum blossom grove in full bloom came into view. Next to it stood a large, three-story pavilion.
It was the Star Guard Pavilion, where the Master of the Star Guard Brigade resided.
Following the guard, Bu Eun-seol paused for a moment.
The pavilion was built in a very unique and mysterious style, and it seemed to emanate a faint light.
It wasn't a sheen on the exterior of the pavilion, but rather it looked as if light from within was pouring through its walls.
*‘Am I imagining things?’*
Shaking his head, Bu Eun-seol resumed walking behind the guard.
Usually, the pavilions where key figures of the Martial Alliance resided were tightly guarded.
But on the way to the Star Guard Pavilion, he hadn't seen a single guard.
The same was true even when they arrived in front of the pavilion.
“You may enter there.”
“Thank you.”
After the guard left, Bu Eun-seol stepped into the pavilion.
Within this magnificent pavilion resided the Master of the Star Guard Brigade, one of the seven pillars supporting the Martial Alliance.
*‘I must observe him as closely as possible.’*
Bu Eun-seol had just attained the rank of a third-rate commander, and he didn't know when he would have another chance for a private meeting with one of the Seven Grand Masters.
He had to seize this opportunity to gather as much information as possible about the Seven Grand Masters.
*‘The sound of mechanisms.’*
As Bu Eun-seol stepped inside, a peculiar light flickered in his eyes.
Faint metallic sounds were reaching his ears from all directions.
Judging by the friction sounds, the interior of the pavilion was practically covered in mechanisms.
*‘Why would a Grand Master's residence be filled with so many mechanisms?’*
Usually, mechanisms within a pavilion were limited to secret chambers or storage rooms.
Or perhaps a secret passage leading outside.
But this pavilion seemed to be made entirely of mechanisms, with faint metallic sounds resonating throughout.
*‘What kind of mechanisms could they be?’*
Just as Bu Eun-seol was about to use his All-Seeing Empathy to survey the interior, a thought suddenly crossed his mind.
*‘I am not Bu Eun-seol, I am Seon-u Jin.’*
The person residing here was none other than one of the Seven Grand Masters of the Martial Alliance.
If Bu Eun-seol were to extend his extrasensory perception, the Master of the Star Guard Brigade might be able to detect it.
“Hoo.”
Bu Eun-seol deliberately took a deep breath and started walking again.
*Step, step.*
He walked without hesitation and came to another door. Passing through it, he entered a reception hall for guests.
The furniture in the reception hall, such as the table and chairs, was simple in design, but...
...their arrangement and spacing were consistent and achieved a harmony that was close to perfection.
If one were to touch or move a single piece of furniture here?
The perfect harmony would instantly shatter, and the interior would be plunged into chaos.
Just then, a tall figure emerged from the opposite side.
*‘How can this be?’*
In that instant, the hair on Bu Eun-seol's skin stood on end.
His extrasensory perception, honed to the highest level of the Way of the Beast, could detect the sound of a leaf falling a hundred paces away.
Yet he hadn't heard the footsteps of the person walking right in front of him?
*Swish.*
The figure, dressed in simple, unadorned white robes, seemed to glide across the floor as he approached Bu Eun-seol.
He was a handsome middle-aged man, appearing to be in his forties.
A majestic aura enveloped his entire body, and a refreshing smile, like a river breeze, played on his lips.
Seeing the middle-aged man's face, Bu Eun-seol was struck by a shockingly deep impression.
A pair of eyes.
They held a mysterious radiance, so captivating that once seen, they could never be forgotten.
The Saintly Sword, Baekri Mujo.
The one who wielded the most perfect and stable swordsmanship in the current martial world... anyone who faced his noble and majestic sword forms...
...was said to be unable to resist and would fall to their knees. The Master of the Martial Alliance's Star Guard Brigade stood tall before him.
*Shudder.*
Bu Eun-seol's body trembled slightly.
*‘Was it harmony?’*
Even the energy flowing from Baekri Mujo's entire body was in perfect harmony.
That must be how he could execute such perfect and stable swordsmanship, which was impossible to defy.
“Welcome.”
When Baekri Mujo spoke, Bu Eun-seol felt, for no reason, as if the blood vessels throughout his body were about to burst.
His heart pounded, and his breath grew short.
*‘I must calm down.’*
Bu Eun-seol focused his mind and forced his body to stabilize.
“This junior martial artist, Seon-u Jin, greets the Grand Master.”
Bu Eun-seol cupped his hands with a composed expression.
Then, the pair of eyes, holding a mysterious light, scanned Bu Eun-seol's body from head to toe.
“So a dragon has emerged from the merchant world.”
When Baekri Mujo smiled slightly, Bu Eun-seol's heart pounded once again.
He had only shown a smile, yet it felt as if the room was suddenly filled with a warm and gentle current.
At the same time, a strange feeling washed over Bu Eun-seol, as if he had discovered a box full of memories while cleaning an old warehouse.
*‘I don't know why I'm feeling this way.’*
Was it because he was standing before one of the Seven Grand Masters who shook the world? Or was it because he was facing the man who might be his grandfather's killer?
Excitement, tension, and an unknown sentiment... uncontrollable emotions were flooding him all at once.
“Hall Master Yuk spoke very highly of you. She said that not only are your martial arts outstanding, having inherited the legacy of the Unhindered One, but your strategic mind is also remarkable.”
“You praise me too highly.”
“Hahaha.”
Baekri Mujo let out a low laugh and gestured toward the table.
“First, have a seat.”
Bu Eun-seol hesitated.
If he were to sit at this table, he felt the harmony that stably filled the room would be broken.
*Swish.*
Baekri Mujo sat down without hesitation.
As he did, the harmony of the room changed completely.
It shifted into a new arrangement where only by Bu Eun-seol also taking a seat could the perfect harmony and stability be restored.
*‘So this is his level.’*
Bu Eun-seol couldn't hide his surprise.
In this reception hall, Baekri Mujo was like a god.
He had dismantled the perfect harmony that filled the space and planted a new one.
*‘Even among the Grand Masters, there's a world of difference.’*
Bu Eun-seol had fought a fierce battle with Jo Cheon-wang, the Master of the Martial Heaven Brigade.
While Jo Cheon-wang was a step above in martial prowess and experience, he wasn't so far ahead that Bu Eun-seol could never catch up.
But the martial prowess of the Star Guard Master was incomparably higher than Jo Cheon-wang's.
He couldn't even begin to gauge how strong he was, or what level he had reached.
—If the Seven Grand Masters had been active in the martial world, the rankings and positions of the Four Gods and Seven Kings would have been completely different.
The rumors circulating in the martial world were not false.
Baekri Mujo's skill was also above Bu Eun-seol's, and he was strong enough to contend for the top spot among the Four Gods and Seven Kings.
Just then, Baekri Mujo spoke.
“I hear the Zenith Squad is a unit that handles and investigates various matters in the martial world that our Alliance's sword brigades and squads cannot.”
As he continued, a profound light flowed from his eyes.
“While it can't be called a secret unit, most of its missions will be conducted covertly. You will face many trials ahead.”
Baekri Mujo looked at Bu Eun-seol and smiled faintly.
“Contrary to what is known, the Seonhwa Merchant Guild possesses financial power so great that even the Ten Great Merchant Guilds of the Central Plains would be envious.”
“...”
“If you wished, you could lead a life of luxury that even an emperor would envy. Is there really a need to plunge into this heartless and desolate martial world?”
It was a question he had anticipated.
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eun-seol answered in a clear voice.
“The position of a merchant guild's heir may seem glamorous on the surface. But in reality, one must travel beyond the borders, meet with wealthy patrons and merchants... constantly making deals and haggling over prices.”
“Hmm.”
“A merchant's strength lies in his business acumen and financial power. And I inherited both of those from birth.”
Bu Eun-seol spoke in a powerful voice.
“I simply wish to stand tall in the world with the abilities I possess.”
“Is that so.”
Baekri Mujo smiled faintly and nodded.
“I hereby appoint you as the official commander of the Zenith Squad, a third-rate squad under my brigade.”
Bu Eun-seol respectfully cupped his hands and bowed his head.
“Thank you.”
“However, you will receive your commands and missions from the Hall of Martial Ascendancy. My brigade has no position for a third-rate squad.”
“Yes. I am aware.”
“I expect you to do your utmost in the tasks you are given. If you do, you will be able to climb the ranks step by step.”
“I will do my best.”
As Bu Eun-seol respectfully cupped his hands once more, Baekri Mujo smiled faintly.
“Good. You may return now.”
*Swoosh.*
As Bu Eun-seol finally stepped out of the pavilion, the smile on Baekri Mujo's lips vanished completely.
His entire body seemed to have turned from flesh to iron, and it felt as if viscous oil flowed through his veins instead of blood.
He had merely wiped the smile from his face, yet he seemed like a completely different being.
“Good. Perhaps a new wind is about to blow in this tedious Martial Alliance.”
Shaking his head, he spoke in a low voice.
“What are the results?”
Then, as if it had been there all along, a shadow was prostrated before Baekri Mujo, its head bowed.
*There were no problems.*
The shadow was right in front of Baekri Mujo, yet it deliberately used a secret telepathic message.
“The possibility of a forged identity?”
A supremely respectful and low voice then echoed in his ear.
*None. If it were a forged identity, it would have to be one crafted from the moment he was born. It's unlikely he would go to such lengths just to become a third-rate commander in our Alliance.*
“I see.”
Baekri Mujo nodded.
It was the firm assertion of a subordinate who had never been wrong before.
“Seon-u Jin... I find him quite to my liking. Even the way he hides his excellence with ordinariness.”
At Baekri Mujo's words, the body of the prostrated shadow trembled.
As far as he knew, Baekri Mujo was not the type to express that he liked someone.
“Keep a close watch on him.”
As Baekri Mujo wore a strange smile,
*As you command.*
The shadow bowed its head so low it almost touched the ground.
“So that I can guide him at any time...”
With those final words, Baekri Mujo slowly turned around.