Chapter 420
Chapter 420
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 420
Chapter Title: The King's Tutor
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Poison.
For generations, it has been a convenient and powerful weapon favored by the warriors of the martial world.
A minuscule amount can dramatically increase lethality or incapacitate an enemy.
Thus, most factions, excluding the orthodox sects, use poison or practice martial arts that incorporate it.
From that perspective, poisoning was an everyday occurrence for the wandering warriors of the martial world.
Where there is demand, supply follows.
Due to the constant threat of poison, the medicinal arts also flourished, with physicians specializing in detoxification thriving.
The Fog Valley Clinic.
It was a medical institution that had produced outstanding physicians for generations.
And its master, Gu Gyeom, was one of the foremost experts in detoxification in the martial world.
"You were incredibly fortunate."
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Gu Gyeom shook his head and spoke.
"It's a good thing I happened to acquire a Dragon Spirit Violet-Red Herb from Mount Hoejeong. Otherwise, this young man would have surely perished."
Gu Gyeom continued, looking at Seon-u Jin, who was sleeping soundly on the bed.
"The poison has been completely neutralized. After a good night's rest, he'll be up and about."
"Thank you."
As Jong-jeong Yak bowed her head, Gu Gyeom shook his.
"Think nothing of it. Is it not thanks to the Martial Alliance that my clinic can gather spiritual herbs from Mount Hoejeong without fear of outside interference?"
Mount Hoejeong was rich in spiritual herbs, which the Fog Valley Clinic used to create elixirs.
Consequently, bandits and forces from the unorthodox factions had flocked to the area, coveting the clinic's abundant supply of elixirs.
When the Martial Alliance could no longer stand by and established the Hoejeong Branch, the bandits and unorthodox factions targeting the Fog Valley Clinic quietly retreated.
"If not for the Martial Alliance, this clinic would have long since left Mount Hoejeong or been subjugated by an unorthodox faction."
With a pleased smile, Gu Gyeom rose from his seat.
"Now, if you'll excuse me."
"Thank you for your hard work."
After Gu Gyeom left, Jong-jeong Yak stared intently at Seon-u Jin lying on the bed.
Perhaps because the detoxification had just finished, his face was completely pale, and his lips were as dry as a desert.
*He's definitely not a spy.*
Jong-jeong Yak had observed Seon-u Jin's fight from beginning to end.
Despite fighting with all his might, he had nearly lost his life.
What if she hadn't helped him? And what if the Fog Valley Clinic hadn't possessed the Dragon Spirit Violet-Red Herb?
He would have already met his end.
*If he were a spy, he would have had various safety measures in place.*
If Seon-u Jin were an agent belonging to some faction, there would inevitably be people watching over or protecting him.
Even if that weren't the case, a spy would surely have one or two trump cards to escape a crisis.
But Seon-u Jin had no faction watching over him, nor any hidden ultimate techniques.
He was just a passionate young talent, thirsty for success.
*Hmph.*
Jong-jeong Yak had to admit that she had been overly sensitive and excessively suspicious.
*I was like that once.*
In the past, she too had been filled with overflowing passion, a sense of duty, and the confidence that she could change or solve anything.
But such things couldn't change the world.
What was truly needed was a strength that would not yield to any external force, a power capable of shattering it.
And the one who had taught her that... was a mere ronin who lived for money.
*I wonder if he's doing well.*
Suddenly, the image of the ronin who had saved her came to mind.
He always hid his abilities, acting with caution and resolving every matter discreetly.
Even now, he was probably shaking the martial world with his exceptional skills.
"Hoo."
Jong-jeong Yak sighed as she looked at the sleeping Seon-u Jin.
"If you want to play the hero, you'd better get stronger, Division Head Seon-u."
Then, she turned away coldly.
*Click.*
As she left, Seon-u Jin.
No, Bu Eun-seol slowly opened his eyes.
"You've grown a lot."
He smiled faintly as he looked at the door through which Jong-jeong Yak had departed.
The once-immature law enforcement officer had become one of the most competent investigators in the Martial Alliance.
If Bu Eun-seol hadn't known her personality and tenacity in advance?
He would never have dispelled her suspicions so easily.
"She's gone."
Just then, a young man dressed as a physician entered.
"The Martial Alliance truly has many outstanding individuals. To think a mere disciple from the inspection division is at that level."
*Crack.*
His face contorted a few times, and the young physician's appearance changed to that of a cold-faced man.
It was Mu-heun, the Division Head of the Soul Devouring Brigade.
"With Vice Commander So-yo's training still incomplete, you are facing many inconveniences, my Lord."
Normally, when Bu Eun-seol ventured into the martial world, So-yo, the Vice Commander of the Soul Devouring Brigade, was supposed to secretly follow and assist him.
However, since So-yo had not yet completed her training as Vice Commander, Mu-heun had no choice but to keep coming out himself.
"You've worked hard."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
He had executed various plans to quickly resolve the suspicions of Jong-jeong Yak, who was investigating him.
First, he spent a huge sum to hire the Wind Demon Troupe and the Violet Flame Crone, and in coordination, he had Mu-heun wait at the Fog Valley Clinic.
Jong-jeong Yak was a cautious person.
Even if a third-class division head of the Martial Alliance was in danger, she would not risk her life to intervene in a fight.
But what if he had escaped his pursuers and was hovering on the brink of death?
She would let go of her suspicions and help him. She would never imagine he'd risk his own life to deceive her.
"But it was too risky a plan."
Mu-heun shook his head.
There was a master of detoxification, the head of the Fog Valley Clinic, in this vicinity.
And they had even confirmed that he had recently acquired the Dragon Spirit Violet-Red Herb.
But would Jong-jeong Yak really carry the collapsed Bu Eun-seol to the Fog Valley Clinic?
That was something no one could guarantee.
"If she had hesitated or gone elsewhere, your life would have been in danger, my Lord."
This affair seemed simple, but in reality, it was an incredibly perilous plan.
Bu Eun-seol had to intentionally not resist the poison and genuinely hover on the brink of death.
If he hadn't, Jong-jeong Yak would never have been fooled.
Moreover, if she had gone to a different physician instead of the Fog Valley Clinic? He might have truly died, unable to be cured.
"It couldn't be helped. A half-baked act would never have deceived her."
He added another word.
"And she was bound to come to the Fog Valley Clinic."
Jong-jeong Yak had already become an excellent investigator.
As such, she would have surveyed the surrounding geography in detail beforehand. If someone was poisoned and on the verge of death? He was certain she would head for the Fog Valley Clinic.
"I see."
Mu-heun sighed and nodded.
"Now that you've recovered, you must return to the Demonic Cult quickly. Division Head Sang-hak is requesting your presence."
"Him?"
"Yes."
Mu-heun spoke with an extremely serious expression.
"The whereabouts of Hall Master Hyeok-ryeon have been discovered."
"Hall Master Hyeok-ryeon."
In that instant, a divine light burst from Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
The Demonic Cult spy who gave the artificial inner core to Sim-wol.
He had finally found Hyeok-ryeon Eung, one of the roots of the Three Realms.
***
Leaving the Fog Valley Clinic, Bu Eun-seol immediately returned to the Demonic Cult.
Meanwhile, Mu-heun continued to leave a trail of Division Head Seon-u Jin's activities.
Seo Jin-ha's and So-yo's training would soon be complete.
Soon, the Soul Devouring Brigade would be perfected... and Bu Eun-seol would have a flawless dual identity, able to create two separate trails.
"Then, this concludes the meeting."
After finishing a brief meeting with the division heads, Bu Eun-seol immediately entered the secret room in his office.
There, Yu Un-ryong sat with a grave expression.
"Where is Hall Master Hyeok-ryeon?"
Bu Eun-seol cut to the chase, and Yu Un-ryong took a deep breath.
He then spoke with an extremely serious expression.
"He is in the estate of Prince Wi."
"The estate of Prince Wi... you say."
Bu Eun-seol's gaze deepened.
The Hall Master of the Demonic Cult's Law Enforcement Hall is in the estate of Prince Wi? Could he be a figure from the imperial palace?
"Hall Master Hyeok-ryeon is serving as a literary tutor in the estate of Prince Wi under the name Master Nammyeong."
Yu Un-ryong's gaze grew incredibly solemn.
"He has stayed at the prince's estate for a staggering twenty years, teaching various individuals."
It was a shocking revelation.
To think that Hyeok-ryeon Eung, one of the highest-ranking leaders of the Demonic Cult, had been part of the prince's estate for twenty years?
Wasn't that absurd?
Yu Un-ryong shook his head, as if he couldn't believe his own words.
"The Demonic Cult isn't some local martial arts hall. I don't understand how it's possible to maintain a double life for decades."
"A double identity."
A sharp glint flashed in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
"Hall Master Hyeok-ryeon. He, too, like me now, must have created a shadow to maintain a perfect double identity."
Only then did Yu Un-ryong's eyes widen as if in realization.
Hyeok-ryeon Eung.
Like Bu Eun-seol, who moved between the Demonic Cult and the Martial Alliance.
He had been living a double life between the Demonic Cult and the royal estate.
He must have had a perfect shadow.
"But why?"
Yu Un-ryong couldn't understand.
Hyeok-ryeon Eung, leader of the Law Enforcement Hall, was one of the core figures in the Demonic Cult.
Although he had been punished to handle affairs outside the pass for arbitrarily ending the Ten Demonic Disciples Tournament...
That was merely a considerate gesture from the Demonic Cult to let him escape the criticism and pressure from the Ten Demonic Sect Masters for a while.
A man so trusted that he was made the Grand Master overseeing the Ten Demonic Disciples Tournament in place of the Heavenly Demon...
Had been maintaining a double identity for a long time, serving as none other than a royal tutor in the estate of Prince Wi?
"He must be a key figure in the Three Realms."
Bu Eun-seol bit his lip tightly.
"It would make sense, at that level."
Hyeok-ryeon Eung, a part of the Three Realms that had been stirring up the martial world.
And not just a messenger, but a core figure.
Otherwise, he could never have maintained the two identities of the Demonic Cult's Law Enforcement Hall Master and a tutor in the royal estate for so long.
Neither of those two positions would allow for the possibility of being a puppet moving at the command of a mere messenger from the Three Realms.
"Hmm."
Yu Un-ryong took a deep breath and said.
"I have no idea what these Three Realms bastards are doing or how they're structured."
He shook his head with a weary expression.
"Hall Master Hyeok-ryeon is a top official in the Demonic Cult and has the absolute trust of the Heavenly Demon. What more could he possibly want...?"
"We'll find out when I meet him."
Bu Eun-seol said firmly.
"The fact that he was caught in our intelligence network means he was calling for me from the start."
The Three Realms had always possessed an intelligence network far superior to that of the Demonic Cult and the Martial Alliance.
There was no way Hyeok-ryeon Eung, a core figure of the Three Realms and not some mere underling, would let his whereabouts and identity be discovered.
"Right. He probably leaked the information to our network intentionally."
Yu Un-ryong said with utmost seriousness.
"So that it would be reported to you immediately."
His expression was dark.
The Soul Devouring Brigade was a secret intelligence unit that Bu Eun-seol had painstakingly created over a long time.
But Hyeok-ryeon Eung had brazenly exposed his whereabouts through the Soul Devouring Brigade.
Which meant... there was a high probability that one of the division heads was a spy for the Three Realms.
"This is agonizing."
For the first time, Bu Eun-seol felt tormented.
Myo Cheon-u, Won Se-mun, Wi Cheon-gyeong, Jo Nam-cheon.
Like Yu Un-ryong and Seo Jin-ha, they were subordinates Bu Eun-seol trusted implicitly.
But the thought that one of them might be a spy who had been deceiving him all this time... was agonizing.
"It might not be true."
Yu Un-ryong forced a bright smile.
"The Three Realms' intelligence network has always been several steps ahead. It might not be because there's a spy among the division heads, right?"
Of course, Yu Un-ryong knew well that was unlikely.
But he thought there was no need for Bu Eun-seol to suffer over something that wasn't yet certain.
Life is always a series of unexpected events.
Even things that seemed clear as day often turn out to be completely different from what one expected over time.
"For now, let's just do the best we can. That's all that matters."
Yu Un-ryong said with a bright smile.
"By the time you return... Seo Jin-ha and Vice Commander So-yo's training will be almost complete. Then, you'll have a perfect double identity that no intelligence organization can detect."
"Just like Hall Master Hyeok-ryeon, you mean."
"Bu Eun-seol..."
"I'm just saying."
Bu Eun-seol chuckled, letting out a soft snort.
"Well, I'm off."
"You're planning to go alone, aren't you?"
Yu Un-ryong's expression was filled with worry.
Hyeok-ryeon Eung was a high-ranking member of the Three Realms who had lived a double life for decades.
That meant his strategic mind, as well as his martial arts, were likely far more profound than known.
Moreover, the fact that he would deliberately reveal his double identity.
Meant he was summoning Bu Eun-seol alone, concealing some sort of scheme.
"How about telling the Heavenly Demon or the Grand Master? The information is solid, after all."
"He intentionally leaked his double identity. That means he's willing to abandon the identity he created in the royal estate without any regrets."
Bu Eun-seol sighed.
"The moment we inform anyone else, he'll vanish. Cleanly, without a trace."
Yu Un-ryong fell silent.
He already knew that. He just hated sending Bu Eun-seol alone.
Because the probability of it being a trap was too high.
In truth, Yu Un-ryong wanted to stop him.
There was no need to move according to the enemy's intentions. What if they took a more leisurely approach and caught him off guard?
He wanted to say this.
But he couldn't.
Throughout this long journey, it was no exaggeration to say that Bu Eun-seol had discovered almost nothing.
His grandfather's enemy. And what kind of organization the Three Realms was, what they wanted.
Now that he had finally found a clue to solve one of those mysteries... Bu Eun-seol would never let this chance slip away.
"Be careful."
In the end, Yu Un-ryong smiled and sent Bu Eun-seol off.
When there was nothing he could do to help, a smile full of trust would be the greatest source of strength.
However, Yu Un-ryong would soon come to regret this choice.
He should have told him there was no need to rush.
He should have advised that the right course was to move slowly, not according to the enemy's intentions, and to grasp the enemy's situation.
Giving sharp advice was also the duty of a strategist.
But he had trusted Bu Eun-seol's outstanding abilities so much that he had forgotten that point for a long time.
***
Leaving the Demonic Cult, Bu Eun-seol immediately used his movement technique and headed for Taepyeong Prefecture.
During the journey, questions about Hyeok-ryeon Eung constantly arose in Bu Eun-seol's mind.
Why did Hyeok-ryeon Eung expose his location? Why lure him to the royal estate?
Could he be a member of the imperial family, trying to recruit him there?
*That's unlikely.*
The thoughts continued, one after another.
*If he's a spy for the Three Realms, then there must be another reason why he saved me on Hell Island.*
He was the man who had been prepared to give up his position as Law Enforcement Hall Master to save him on Hell Island.
He had stopped the Ten Demonic Disciples plan before Bu Eun-seol suffered a fatal injury, saving his life.
To any observer, it looked like an act of unwavering loyalty to the Heavenly Demon and the Demonic Cult, aimed at selecting an outstanding Demonic Disciple.
Why would he, a spy for the Three Realms?
For what reason could he have acted that way?
Moving without rest, Bu Eun-seol soon arrived in front of the estate of Prince Wi in Taepyeong Prefecture.
The main gate was firmly shut, and a sign with a golden border was visible.
Inside the estate, which spanned over ten thousand pyeong, were more than thirty buildings and a garden reminiscent of the imperial palace's.
*There's no need to enter stealthily.*
The Three Realms surpassed the Demonic Cult's intelligence organization.
Besides, he hadn't hidden his tracks at all on his way to Taepyeong Prefecture. There was no way Hyeok-ryeon Eung wouldn't know he had arrived.
*Creeak.*
As Bu Eun-seol stood before the gate, it opened as if it had been waiting for him.
A young warrior, who appeared to be a royal guard, clasped his hands together.
"Lord of the Martial Soul."
Although he wore a guard's uniform, his eyes were sharp, and a cool energy emanated from his entire body.
He was likely not an ordinary guard, but someone affiliated with Hyeok-ryeon Eung, or the Three Realms.
"I have been waiting. Please, come inside."
Unsurprised, Bu Eun-seol gave a light nod and stepped inside.
A beautiful garden, like a landscape painting, unfolded before his eyes.
*They've altered the terrain and deliberately created waterways.*
The trees, flowers, and even the stones in the garden—everything was arranged according to the profound principles of a formation.
On the surface, it was a beautiful garden.
But to Bu Eun-seol's eyes, it looked like a forest of swords and a mountain of blades, where a single misstep would lead to death.
"This way."
The guard passed through the garden and pointed to a small path at the back of the estate.
After walking along it for some time, a mountain path leading to a sheer cliff came into view.
At the top, a picturesque pavilion stood against the backdrop of a beautifully colored sunset.
And in front of it was a figure, hands clasped behind his back, gazing up at the distant sky.
*Thud, thud.*
As Bu Eun-seol approached, the figure gazing at the sky slowly turned.
The face of an old man with eyes like a tiger and a sturdy build like a bear came into view.
It was none other than Hyeok-ryeon Eung, the Law Enforcement Hall Master of the Demonic Cult and the Grand Master of the Ten Demonic Disciples Tournament.