Chapter 430
Chapter 430
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 430
Chapter Title: A Just Reward
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The Hall of Solitary Command, Yeop Hyo-cheon’s office.
Grand Commander Yeop Hyo-cheon and Bu Eun-seol were sitting opposite each other, drinking tea.
This private meeting had been requested by Yeop Hyo-cheon.
For that reason, Bu Eun-seol said nothing, silently sipping his tea.
Just as his cup was nearly empty, Yeop Hyo-cheon’s lips finally moved.
“This is the second time now. That one of the Ten Demonic Sects supporting our cult has declared its seclusion.”
His words carried a hidden barb.
Bu Eun-seol set down his teacup nonchalantly and spoke.
“The seclusion was something the Hell-Blood Fortress brought up on its own. Hasn't the Demonic Council not even begun?”
Yeop Hyo-cheon stared intently at Bu Eun-seol.
It was Bu Eun-seol who had nothing to lose.
It seemed only right to cede the initiative of today’s conversation to the guest.
“Soul-Devouring Lord, are you not the successor who must one day take responsibility for this cult?”
Yeop Hyo-cheon said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“I might not mind other places, but if the Hell-Blood Fortress goes into seclusion, it will cause major disruptions to the cult’s operations.”
“…”
“If the Hell-Blood Fortress were to enter seclusion, a significant void would appear in the cult’s finances. Not only that, but we would lose all the groundwork we’ve laid in Guizhou.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon continued in a low voice.
“As it is, the Hell-Blood Fortress lost about a third of its elite forces due to the incident in the Great Cloud Forest. If punishments like that continue, the political landscape of the Demonic Path will change dramatically.”
Bu Eun-seol asked bluntly.
“Then are you saying, Grand Commander, that you will simply cover up the crimes committed by the Hell-Blood Fortress?”
Bu Eun-seol said with a stern expression.
“The Orthodox factions that aided in creating the soulless ones or repeatedly targeted me, and even the merchant guild that provided the funds—I have wiped them all out. So how can I let the Hell-Blood Fortress alone go unpunished?”
“One cannot say that creating the soulless ones is the crime of the entire Hell-Blood Fortress. They merely provided the troops and poisons for their creation… and that was the sole decision of Fortress Lord Gongya.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon said with a faint smile.
“Well, I suppose the Lord already knows that… which is why you called for a Demonic Council instead of wiping out the Hell-Blood Fortress at once.”
“I do not know what you wish to say.”
He knew but pretended not to.
It was to impress upon the other that whoever made the proposal first was the one in a more desperate position.
Finally, Yeop Hyo-cheon got to the point.
“The crimes of the Hell-Blood Fortress are already known throughout the martial world. A third of their elite forces are gone, and their sphere of influence has shrunk drastically. They have been punished enough. Furthermore, this entire incident can be said to be the sole doing of Fortress Lord Gongya.”
“…”
“Since things have come to this, how about we conclude the matter with Fortress Lord Gongya stepping down from his position, without even holding a Demonic Council?”
Yeop Hyo-cheon moistened his throat with tea.
“To be honest, if it comes to this, the cult will not be in a position to support the Lord. Perhaps the Lord's own standing will become difficult as well.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Isn’t the entire Orthodox and Demonic world struggling with spies because of a faction called the Infinite Realm?”
Bu Eun-seol’s eyebrows shot up.
He had not expected Yeop Hyo-cheon to bring up the Three Realms first.
Moreover, he had specified the Infinite Realm, not the Three Realms. That meant one of two things.
He was either a person truly unrelated to the Three Realms… or he was connected to the Azure Heaven Realm or another of the Three Realms.
Yeop Hyo-cheon’s lips curled up as if he had guessed Bu Eun-seol’s complex thoughts.
“Even the leader of the Beggars’ Sect was a spy, after all.”
He then continued leisurely.
“But if you keep pulling out the pillars that support our cult… couldn’t the members of our cult begin to doubt the Lord’s intentions as well?”
At that moment, Bu Eun-seol’s eyebrows twitched.
The only ones who knew that No-bong was a spy of the Three Realms were Namgung Un, who had handled the Beggars’ Sect matter with him, and the leaders of the Four-Shadow Hall.
Besides them, no one else knew. How could Yeop Hyo-cheon have figured out that No-bong was a spy?
As if reading Bu Eun-seol’s surprise, Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled.
“Things could reach a point where you might face suspicious glares, wondering, ‘Could the successor of our cult also be a spy?’”
Nonsense.
Even if the world found out No-bong was a spy, no one in the Demonic Cult would look at Bu Eun-seol that way.
—If you do not follow my words, I could reveal that you, under the identity of Seol-so, struck down and killed No-bong.
This was how Yeop Hyo-cheon was threatening Bu Eun-seol.
“That could happen.”
But Bu Eun-seol nodded with an unconcerned expression.
He already had the dual identity of Seon-u Jin and had created a perfect shadow. The identity of Seol-so no longer held any meaning or value to him.
“In that case, something interesting would happen again.”
—That kind of threat won’t work on me.
This was Bu Eun-seol’s reply.
“Don’t misunderstand.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon said with a smile.
“The whole world knows you are not one to yield to threats or external pressure. What I, the Grand Commander, am saying is merely a request…”
His glittering eyes held a peculiar light.
“Soon, the Heavenly Demon Emperor will also finish his seclusion and return. It wouldn’t look good if our cult were in disarray then, would it?”
Bu Eun-seol gave no answer.
In truth, the Heavenly Demon Emperor emerging from seclusion was not a particularly special event.
Whether he was in seclusion or not, the Heavenly Demon Emperor would remain secluded in the Sacred Demonic Hall unless something extraordinary happened, leaving most duties to Yeop Hyo-cheon.
What Bu Eun-seol found strange was why he would bring up the Heavenly Demon Emperor in this situation.
‘Is that it?’
The Heavenly Demon Emperor was a being who symbolized chaos.
Even if something like this happened, he would not unilaterally side with Bu Eun-seol or the Hell-Blood Fortress.
Ultimately, Yeop Hyo-cheon was revealing that his proposal was an opinion from a broader perspective.
‘Does he mean that if the Hell-Blood Fortress goes into seclusion, it would truly be difficult to manage the Demonic Cult?’
His true intentions were unclear.
Yeop Hyo-cheon was not a man who ever revealed his inner thoughts.
However, there was one thing he could surmise.
The Twin Heavenly Emperors of Justice and Demonic Arts had also long known about the existence of the Three Realms… and their seclusion was likely not unrelated to it.
Otherwise, the two supreme masters, said to have reached the edge of the Limitless Realm, would not be repeating their seclusion endlessly.
‘At first, I just thought they were challenging the Heavenly Will Realm.’
The realm beyond the Limitless Realm, where one could comprehend the will of the heavens and become one with nature like a primordial being—a boundless state.
However, throughout the entire history of the martial world, no martial artist had ever reached this stage.
That was why Bu Eun-seol had always thought the reason the Twin Heavenly Emperors, who held the martial world at their feet, continued their seclusion was for that purpose.
Just then, Yeop Hyo-cheon, who had been gazing at Bu Eun-seol, spoke again.
“It’s not much of a reward, but… if you wish, you may take back the Nine-Kill Squad.”
The Nine-Kill Squad that Bu Eun-seol had given to Yeop Hyo-cheon was practically an empty shell, with the Four-Soul Squad having taken over its duties.
However, getting back the competent So Ja-myeong was more valuable than the squad itself, something he had always wanted.
“Very well.”
Bu Eun-seol, who had been lost in deep thought, nodded.
“I will do as you say.”
“A wise decision.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon said with a smile.
“I’ll be disbanding the Nine-Kill Squad anyway, so I’ll just tell Squad Leader So to return.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon had, of course, realized that the Nine-Kill Squad Bu Eun-seol gave him was a shell.
In fact, from his perspective, the Nine-Kill Squad was probably just a cumbersome burden.
He could, after all, command the Shadowless Pavilion, the best intelligence organization of the Demonic Path.
“Thank you.”
Bu Eun-seol, who had calmly risen from his seat, clasped his hands together.
“Wasn’t it a shocking event?”
Yeop Hyo-cheon then said in a meaningful voice.
“To think that Patriarch Hyeokryeon was the spy who gave Sim-wol the artificial inner core.”
Bu Eun-seol maintained a calm expression.
Most of the Demonic Cult’s leadership, like Gongya Geuk, likely knew about the Three Realms, or had close ties with them in their own ways.
And Bu Eun-seol surmised that the Grand Commander, Yeop Hyo-cheon, was no exception.
“Spies are everywhere.”
“Is that so?”
“Before long, I will root out not only the spies within our cult but also those who collude with external forces.”
“If that happens, it would be for the best.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled faintly at Bu Eun-seol’s words.
“I, the Grand Commander, am also striving for that… so if you need anything, speak at any time.”
“Thank you. In that case.”
Bu Eun-seol turned away coldly.
In the end, the Demonic Cult was the Demonic Cult, and the Demonic Path was the Demonic Path.
He no longer cared what the Grand Commander or the Heavenly Demon Emperor was thinking.
He had already realized that unless he possessed power and ability surpassing the Three Realms… it was useless even if he found their roots.
And if he couldn’t create a force to surpass them immediately… then it was enough to break them down, piece by piece, one by one.
After the storm of blood that swept through the Great Cloud Forest, the Hell-Blood Fortress, the Jangbaek Merchant Guild, and the Sword Scale Valley, peace returned once more to the martial world.
Furthermore, the Demonic Council, the first in the history of the Demonic Cult called to discuss the punishment of a Lord of the Ten Demonic Sects by the cult’s successor, was not held.
This was because, at the Grand Commander’s suggestion, Gongya Geuk took full responsibility and stepped down from his position as Fortress Lord, thus concluding the matter.
Before long, spring arrived, with new buds sprouting and cool breezes blowing.
The faces of the beggars in Byeokgye Village began to glow with life as the weather warmed.
The season most welcomed by beggars is spring.
After enduring the cold all winter without proper food, the warm spring brings a retreat from the cold…
And the hearts of the people, once harsh, also soften to some extent.
“Hey!”
But unfortunately, it wasn’t just generosity that returned to Byeokgye Village.
*Thwack!*
A large fist cut through the air and struck the face of an old beggar.
“Hey, you bastard! If a beggar takes a break from begging because he’s sick, who’s going to give him food? You should be out there working, shouldn’t you?”
When spring came, the old beggars of Byeokgye Village were invariably beaten by Heuk-ung.
Because while everyone else went out to beg, the old beggars still huddled up as if it were winter.
Boss Heuk-ung.
He was originally a gangster from the Black Faction.
But after getting into a fight with a rival gang, he injured his knee and had to quit the gangster life.
Knowing nothing but extortion, threats, and how to brutally beat people, Heuk-ung quickly found his way to survive.
He took control of the beggar's den in Byeokgye Village, living off the spoils they begged for.
At first, a few beggars resisted, but he had innate strength and the cruelty he learned from the Black Faction.
Eventually, he brought the beggars to heel and became the king of Byeokgye Village, living a life that was, in its own way, satisfying.
“Boss. Aren’t you being too harsh?”
Just then, a young, slightly heavyset beggar stepped in front of Heuk-ung.
“You know well that the elderly can’t move around right away even when spring comes, don’t you?”
Heuk-ung’s eyebrows twitched.
It must have been the fifth or sixth time.
The number of times this fatso, who used to grovel before him more than anyone, had defied him.
“Besides, he’s in so much pain he can’t even walk. Please give him some time until the weather gets warmer.”
In the past, this fatso wouldn’t have even been able to meet his gaze.
But now, he was standing with his head held high, arguing with him.
“You little shit, are you the boss now?”
*Thwack!*
Heuk-ung once again threw a punch at the fatso.
Before, a single punch to the face would have knocked him out for half a day.
But now, he merely turned his head slightly and stood firm.
‘This bastard. Did he get some wild ginseng from the Seong Family Manor?’
Not long ago, a band of bandits had attacked the Seong Family Manor, and this fatso had reportedly informed the authorities, driving them away.
Because of that, the Seong family had tried several times to hire him as a servant, but he had refused, saying he would stick to his beggar’s duties.
The problem was, ever since the day of the Seong Family Manor incident, the fatso had been steadily losing weight and his complexion had improved.
He was now even able to withstand his punches, which could shatter a thick tree.
“Ha, this bastard is really getting out of hand.”
Heuk-ung finally drew the dagger from his belt.
“Fatty. Shall we see if a knife can get through that gut of yours?”
Seeing the sharp, gleaming dagger, Fatty flinched back in fear.
As he said, no matter how tough his body had become, it couldn't block a blade.
“B-Boss.”
“You’re really done for. Boys! Grab his arms and legs!”
At Heuk-ung’s command, his henchmen rushed to grab Fatty’s body.
“Let go of me!”
But then, something strange happened.
When Fatty exerted his strength, the burly henchmen were sent flying at once.
‘That guy?’
Originally, he had only intended to scare him.
But seeing Fatty’s unexpected strength, Heuk-ung changed his mind.
‘If I don’t break that bastard’s arms and legs, he’ll take my position as boss sooner or later.’
Just as Heuk-ung, his eyes filled with rage, drew his dagger and was about to approach Fatty,
*Rumble, rumble.*
Suddenly, with a sound like a herd of bulls passing by, a huge number of workers and carts loaded with materials began to enter Byeokgye Village.
“Wh-What’s this?”
A bewildered Heuk-ung shouted at the workers.
“Who are you people?”
*Step, step.*
Just then, a man with a towering height, dressed as a civil official, walked out from among the workers.
With sharp yet profound eyes, he exuded the air of a brilliant strategist, a man of exceptional intellect.
“Where might I find… Mr. Fatty?”
‘Mr. Fatty?’
Heuk-ung’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Who in the world would use the honorific ‘Mister’ when addressing a beggar?
“I… I’m Fatty.”
Just then, Fatty, his cheek red and swollen from Heuk-ung’s punch, approached the man.
“Haha. You’re not as… fat as I thought.”
The official revealed his white teeth in a harmless smile.
“While the manor is being built, please take the residents of Byeokgye Village to the private rooms of the Unhyang Inn. I have already made reservations.”
When the official pointed to a carriage parked at the entrance, Fatty tilted his head.
“What do you mean, a manor is being built?”
“Here in Byeokgye Village… a grand manor will be built where the Manor Lord and his subordinates can live comfortably.”
“Manor Lord? Subordinates?”
Fatty said, his mouth agape.
“I think you might have come to the wrong place.”
“I am certain I have come to the right place. Ah, and this…”
The man took out a small wooden box from his robes and opened it.
When Fatty opened the envelope, he found a luxurious plaque made of ivory, with the name Bu Bok-un inscribed on it.
“What… what is this?”
“It is an ivory plaque to prove the identity of Manor… no, Manor Lord Bu.”
“This… is my plaque?”
Fatty’s eyes widened.
If orphans who had never even been given a name had one wish… it would be to receive an identification plaque that could prove their existence in this world.
But not only was it impossible for a vagrant to get a plaque made, but for a full-grown adult to do so required connections in the government office and a great deal of money.
But to suddenly have his plaque made for him?
“Why… this.”
Fatty shook his head with a look of incomprehension.
“Why on earth are you giving me something like this?”
“For saving the martial world.”
“What?”
“You saved the martial world.”
Fatty blinked his large eyes, his mouth hanging open.
“…I did?”
“Yes.”
The official nodded with a serious look in his eyes.
“If it weren’t for Manor Lord Bu’s good deed, by now, our cult… no, the martial world would have been torn in two and shattered.”
Fatty simply could not understand.
What on earth had he done to save the martial world?
“Once the manor is complete, maids and servants will be assigned to attend to the Manor Lord. They will manage everything well, so please do not worry too much.”
The official was about to turn away when he let out a small ‘ah.’
He then looked around at the beggars of Byeokgye Village who were watching him and said.
“Who here is Heuk-ung?”
At that, the eyes of Heuk-ung, who had been staring blankly at the scene, lit up.
‘Is he going to give me something too?’
If he was giving a manor to Fatty for no reason, then wouldn’t he build him a magnificent palace-like pavilion?
“That’s me!”
Heuk-ung, drooling, approached the official with a bright smile.
“I! I am Heuk-ung!”
“Heuk-ung?”
“Yes!”
Then, a fist appeared before Heuk-ung’s eyes.
It flew very lightly and pressed gently against his right cheek.
*Thwack! Crash!*
Heuk-ung flew in a straight line and crashed into a hut more than a hundred feet away.
“Ughhh.”
The fallen Heuk-ung began to roll around with a pained expression.
He felt a burning sensation around his cheek and a pain as if every tooth in his body was being ripped out.
“Drag that bastard back here.”
At the official’s command,
*Drag, drag, drag.*
The martial artists standing behind him grabbed Heuk-ung by the hair and dragged him forward again.
“P-Please spare me!”
“Considering the atrocities you’ve committed, you should be struck down immediately.”
The official looked down at Heuk-ung with a solemn expression.
“However… it was said that doing so would tarnish Manor Lord Bu’s good deed.”
The official pointed at Fatty and said coldly.
“Serve Manor Lord Bu here with all your loyalty for the rest of your life. That is the only way you will be able to keep your life.”
“I-I understand!”
The official nodded with a satisfied expression and spoke again.
“And the Black Faction that had taken root in Byeokgye Village, the ones you were acquainted with, have all been relocated elsewhere. Keep that in mind.”
*Tremble, tremble, tremble.*
Heuk-ung simply could not believe it.
The man in black before him was a master of the martial world, the likes of which he had never seen in his entire life.
Not only that, he possessed the financial power to mobilize hundreds of workers at once…
And just in case he tried any funny business, he had even cleaned out the entire Black Faction.
“And…”
The official looked down at Heuk-ung and smiled coldly.
“Learn to open your eyes properly.”
Then he turned, faced Fatty, and clasped his hands.
“Manor Lord, then, I shall take my leave.”
Fatty, who had been standing there blankly, realized something at the official’s words.
—Teach him how to open his eyes properly.
Wasn’t that what Heuk-ung used to say like a habit whenever he beat up Mumu every day?
“Is he…”
Fatty—no, Bu Bok-un—ran up to the official and asked in a trembling voice.
“Is he well?”
At the question from Fatty, who had finally understood everything, the official, Yu Un-ryong, revealed his white teeth and smiled brightly.
“Of course.”