Chapter 456
Chapter 456
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 456
Chapter Title: An Unwinnable Negotiation
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In the Hall of the Poisonous Decree, Yeop Hyo-cheon's office.
Two teacups steamed on the reception table.
Seated there was a breathtakingly beautiful woman. Her skin was as white as snow, her nose was elegantly straight, and the contrast between the whites and blacks of her eyes was striking.
She was a woman of great talent, rumored to be the next Grand Master of the Demonic Cult. Dan So-ok, the Mistress of the Secret Order.
“Me, sir?”
Hearing Yeop Hyo-cheon’s words, Dan So-ok could not hide her surprise.
She had already heard the news that the Martial Alliance had sent troops into Guizhou, initiating a power struggle.
‘I never imagined he would entrust the negotiations to me.’
In this matter, the Martial Alliance actually had a legitimate cause.
Therefore, no matter how skillfully she negotiated, the Demonic Cult was bound to suffer a loss.
“If you can conclude this matter without any losses… Mistress Dan, you would be in a very advantageous position, one worthy of guaranteeing you the title of next Grand Master.”
—Conclude this matter without any losses.
Yeop Hyo-cheon was making an impossibly demanding request.
Of course, if Dan So-ok could resolve this, she would perfectly cement her position as the next Grand Master.
But from the very beginning, the task was impossible.
“I’m afraid…”
Just as Dan So-ok was about to shake her head and refuse, Yeop Hyo-cheon uttered something completely unexpected.
“And are you not, Mistress Dan, on close terms with the Lord of the Martial Soul Order, being his fiancée?”
“Pardon?”
“There are accusations that the Martial Alliance was able to bring troops all the way to Guizhou because the Lord of the Martial Soul Order weakened the forces of Hell Blood Castle.”
He lifted his teacup with a leisurely expression.
“If you, Mistress Dan, were to handle this, what could be better?”
Yeop Hyo-cheon’s meaning was clear.
—Since this is the fault of the man who will be your husband, why don't you, his fiancée, take responsibility?
That was what he was implying.
Dan So-ok felt a mix of joy and worry.
For Bu Eun-seol's sake, she would walk into hell itself with a smile.
But this matter could not be resolved with affection and sacrifice alone.
If she failed to produce a clear result, it could instead have a negative impact on Bu Eun-seol.
‘If someone has to resolve it anyway, and if doing so is for his sake…’
After a moment of contemplation, Dan So-ok nodded.
“I will do it.”
“A wise decision.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled and nodded.
“Then, the Mistress of the Secret Order will take charge of these negotiations. I’m counting on you.”
But the voice that followed, unlike his warm smile, was utterly cold and chilling.
“However, the pride of our Cult and the Martial Alliance is on the line. If we suffer any losses, you will be held fully responsible.”
In an instant, Yeop Hyo-cheon had transformed from a kind grandfatherly figure into a ruthless and cold-hearted leader.
But Dan So-ok, as if accustomed to this side of him, clasped her hands together.
“Understood.”
After her private meeting with the Supreme Leader, Dan So-ok immediately departed from the Demonic Cult’s headquarters.
She led the masters of the Hall of Ten Thousand Demons—said to be composed of the most elite warriors under the Gathering of Demons Division.
She was headed for Yeogyeong, where the Martial Alliance's Majestic Dragon Hall was stationed.
‘I pray I can resolve this well.’
She cared nothing for her own fame or glory.
She only hoped to conclude this matter successfully so that Bu Eun-seol would not have to hear the accusations that he had weakened the forces of Hell Blood Castle.
Meanwhile, Bu Eun-seol, leading the members of the Apex Unit, had also left the Martial Alliance and was heading toward Yeogyeong, where the Majestic Dragon Hall was stationed.
When they finally arrived at Guwol Mountain near Chengdu, they saw dozens of barracks set up at the foot of the mountain.
The Majestic Dragon Hall was staying here for the negotiations with the Demonic Cult.
‘So, he’s as skilled at negotiations as they say.’
Bu Eun-seol’s eyes deepened as he looked at the barracks.
Normally, negotiations would be conducted discreetly in a lavish inn or a private banquet hall in Chengdu, a neutral territory between the factions.
But Yeon Ja-gang, the Master of the Majestic Dragon Hall, had deliberately chosen to set up camp at the foot of Guwol Mountain.
This location was right on the main trade route for foreign merchant guilds and at the edge of Hell Blood Castle's sphere of influence.
This meant that if a satisfactory agreement with the Demonic Cult was not reached…
they were prepared to remain stationed here for the long term, showing their willingness to risk armed conflict.
“Wait here.”
Leaving his unit to wait in front of the camp, Bu Eun-seol walked to Yeon Ja-gang’s tent and announced in a clear voice.
“Seon-u Jin, Leader of the Apex Unit.”
But no reply came from within the tent.
“Under the Grand Marshal's orders, I am here to assist the Majestic Dragon Hall with its mission…”
As Bu Eun-seol began to speak again,
*Ssk.*
A shadow emerged, stooping as it walked out of the tent.
He was a middle-aged man with a rather repulsive appearance, his face covered in pockmarks and his eyes exceedingly narrow.
It was the Master of the Majestic Dragon Hall, Yeon Ja-gang.
“Seon-u Jin, Leader of the Apex Unit, at your service.”
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands in greeting, Yeon Ja-gang gave a slight nod.
“I am Yeon Ja-gang.”
Yeon Ja-gang. In his youth, he had been a fairly renowned Swift Sword from Shaanxi.
But as he roamed the martial world, he realized his skills and talent were not enough to command respect.
He was a man who had changed course early on, becoming a warrior of the Martial Alliance.
His martial arts were not exceptional, but he was quite cunning.
Through painstaking effort and life-threatening missions, he had earned merits several times. He was a tenacious man who had finally become a Hall Master in his late fifties.
“Why do you think I have come here?”
It was a rather abrupt question.
Bu Eun-seol looked into Yeon Ja-gang’s narrow eyes before speaking.
“I believe it is to reclaim the trade routes around Guwol Mountain for the Alliance’s sphere of influence.”
“Yes, that’s correct. To do so, there will be fierce negotiations, and perhaps even armed conflict.”
Yeon Ja-gang’s narrow eyes grew even narrower.
“However, I will be handling the negotiations. If a conflict breaks out, the Divine Authority Corps will be deployed.”
Then, he spoke in a cold voice.
“Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Yeon Ja-gang had served and pledged his loyalty to Yuk Jang-cheon with all his might to become his trusted subordinate.
And just when he had finally secured the position of Hall Master in his old age…
some young upstart from a merchant guild had suddenly appeared, bypassed him, and was having repeated private meetings with Yuk Jang-cheon. From his perspective, there was no way he could look upon Bu Eun-seol favorably.
‘He’s telling me not to earn any merit.’
A bitter smile touched Bu Eun-seol’s lips.
Yeon Ja-gang was wary of his rise…
and intended to keep him from earning any credit in these negotiations by not assigning him any tasks.
‘This isn’t the first time.’
When he had set out to become the heir of the Demonic Cult, he had faced all sorts of discrimination and disrespect.
No matter what Yeon Ja-gang tried, it would be useless. Bu Eun-seol was already steps ahead of him.
“Understood.”
When Bu Eun-seol replied respectfully and readily, Yeon Ja-gang’s brow furrowed.
Just then,
“Hall Master, it is Gu Jong-myeong.”
Yeon Ja-gang’s trusted subordinate and Vice Hall Master, Gu Jong-myeong, walked over and clasped his hands.
“An envoy from the Demonic Cult is requesting your presence.”
“Who has come?”
“The Mistress of the Secret Order is here.”
For a moment, Bu Eun-seol’s eyebrow twitched.
The Demonic Cult had many skilled negotiators who could easily handle Yeon Ja-gang.
No matter how cunning he was, of all the people they could have sent, why Dan So-ok?
‘This is the Supreme Leader’s doing.’
Bu Eun-seol instantly guessed that the order had come from Yeop Hyo-cheon.
Hell Blood Castle had likely protested, claiming this situation arose because of the Lord of the Martial Soul Order.
Yeop Hyo-cheon must have acknowledged this… and then urged Dan So-ok to take on these negotiations, framing it as a way to help the Lord of the Martial Soul Order.
After all, they were publicly known to be engaged.
‘If she succeeds, he can simply reward her, so there’s no loss for him. If she fails, he can lump me and her together and blame us both.’
In truth, the Demonic Cult was bound to suffer a loss in these negotiations.
Yeop Hyo-cheon intended to highlight this failure to not only tarnish Dan So-ok but also to emphasize his own fault in weakening Hell Blood Castle’s forces.
‘But that won’t happen, Supreme Leader.’
Bu Eun-seol bit his lip.
At this rate, it was clear that he would eventually clash not only with Hell Blood Castle but also with the forces of the Demonic Cult itself.
“The Mistress of the Secret Order. It seems the Demonic Cult has found an interesting scapegoat.”
Yeon Ja-gang said with a smile.
“Sending the fiancée of the Lord of the Martial Soul Order on purpose.”
Gu Jong-myeong nodded and said.
“She said she will be waiting at the Lover’s Pavilion, a neutral point.”
“I see. I will head there shortly.”
Then, Yeon Ja-gang looked at Bu Eun-seol and said coldly.
“Since it is the Grand Marshal’s order, you may set up camp a short distance from our main barracks. I will call for you if you are needed.”
The intention to keep his barracks separate from the Majestic Dragon Hall’s showed that he planned to ignore him completely.
But Bu Eun-seol simply clasped his hands respectfully.
“Understood.”
As Bu Eun-seol turned away calmly, Yeon Ja-gang glanced at the faces of the Apex Unit members lined up behind him.
‘Hmph, so they expected this.’
Like Bu Eun-seol, they were composed, their expressions showing they understood the situation perfectly.
As an intelligence unit, the Apex Unit was better informed about the Martial Alliance’s situation and internal relationships than anyone.
Thus, they seemed to take his disdainful attitude toward Bu Eun-seol for granted, and even worse, they showed no enthusiasm for earning any merit.
“Set up the barracks a short distance from the Majestic Dragon Hall’s.”
Bu Eun-seol told his men with a nonchalant expression.
“I’m going to Chengdu to assess the surrounding situation once more.”
“Understood!”
As the unit members began to set up the barracks, Bu Eun-seol used his lightness art to head toward Chengdu.
*Whoosh!*
But as he twisted in mid-air, his clothes changed in an instant, and a mask covered his face.
[Soyo.]
Bu Eun-seol sent a Thousand-Li Sound Transmission to Soyo, who was likely hiding somewhere nearby.
[Contact the Death Soul Unit. Have them create a trail for Seon-u Jin, making it look like he is gathering information around Chengdu. I am going to do some reconnaissance.]
[Okay.]
Hearing Soyo’s reply, Bu Eun-seol immediately headed for the Lover’s Pavilion, where the Master of the Majestic Dragon Hall and the Demonic Cult envoy were to hold their negotiations.
In Yeogyeong, there was a place called the Lover’s Pavilion, famous for its beautiful sunsets.
There, warriors from the Hall of Ten Thousand Demons, dressed in black uniforms, were stationed with strict vigilance. In the central pavilion sat a woman in a deep blue gown.
Her skin was white as snow, and her eyes shone like sunlight reflecting on a river. It was Dan So-ok, the Mistress of the Secret Order of the Demonic Cult.
‘She’s going through needless trouble because of me.’
Just as Bu Eun-seol, hiding near the pavilion, completely concealed his presence,
*Thump, thump.*
From the opposite side, dozens of figures in white robes began to approach.
At the very front was a middle-aged man in white robes embroidered with a phoenix on the left side.
It was Yeon Ja-gang and the warriors of the Majestic Dragon Hall.
“…”
As the forces were positioned on either side of the pavilion, the tension reached its peak.
*Thump, thump.*
Yeon Ja-gang walked unhesitatingly to the front of the pavilion.
Dan So-ok rose from her seat and clasped her hands.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Dan So-ok, leader of the Secret Order.”
As a Mistress of the Demonic Cult, her rank was higher than that of a Hall Master of the Martial Alliance.
However, since the Martial Alliance held the upper hand in these negotiations and she was younger, she did not hesitate to greet him first.
“Yeon Ja-gang, Master of the Majestic Dragon Hall.”
Yeon Ja-gang also clasped his hands politely.
In negotiations like these, everything from the order of greetings to one’s attitude…
was part of a continuous, subtle yet fierce battle of wills.
But the demeanor of both was consistently polite and gentle.
Both were confident in their negotiating abilities and saw no need to waste energy on pointless posturing.
“Thank you for accepting my invitation despite your busy schedule.”
Her voice was low yet clear, and with every word she spoke, a sweet, fruity fragrance seemed to waft through the air.
An ordinary man would have been captivated by her beautiful eyes and graceful bearing.
But Yeon Ja-gang was completely unaffected by her beauty.
This was because he had been practicing the Virgin Arts his entire life to compensate for his lacking internal energy.
The Virgin Arts granted one pure and profound internal energy as long as one maintained their chastity.
Therefore, he had no choice but to see women as nothing more than stones.
From Yeon Ja-gang’s perspective, even if Dan So-ok were a goddess descended from the heavens, he would feel nothing.
“Not at all.”
Yeon Ja-gang offered a placid smile.
“After all, there are quite a few things to sort out with the Demonic Cult, are there not?”
Dan So-ok maintained a faint smile.
“I would call it reaching an agreement rather than sorting things out. Naturally, our Cult and the Martial Alliance have different perspectives.”
She tried her best to ease the tense atmosphere.
But Yeon Ja-gang’s tone only grew colder.
“I don’t think the word ‘discussion’ is appropriate for a matter of life and death.”
“The culprit who murdered the Leader of the Iron Hegemony Unit has not been identified. Our Cult has agreed to these negotiations out of a sense of moral obligation.”
“Moral obligation, you say.”
Yeon Ja-gang stated calmly.
“The great Leader’s cause of death was the poison arts of Hell Blood Castle.”
“There is a possibility that the poison arts of Hell Blood Castle were leaked. Just as there are many martial artists who use the techniques of the Nine Great Sects without being their disciples.”
“That sounds like you’re trying to evade responsibility.”
“If there is a responsibility to bear, we will bear it. But if you accuse our Cult based on uncertainties, that is something we cannot accept.”
“So that’s how it is.”
As sharp words were exchanged, Yeon Ja-gang, after a deep sigh, said with force in his eyes.
“Unless the Demonic Cult presents acceptable terms from the outset.”
Pausing for a moment, Yeon Ja-gang continued in a low voice.
“If you continue with this useless chatter… I will consider all dialogue to be over.”
It was a shocking statement.
It was a one-sided ultimatum that should never be uttered at a negotiation table.
‘That is not something a mere Hall Master can say.’
Dan So-ok’s eyes narrowed.
A mere Hall Master would not dare say something that could trigger a conflict between the Demonic Cult and the Martial Alliance.
This meant that Yeon Ja-gang had discussed the terms of the negotiation with the highest echelons of leadership beforehand—that is, the Grand Marshal.
‘Which means the Martial Alliance is determined to bring the land routes near Guwol Mountain under their control, no matter what.’
Realizing there was no room for negotiation, Dan So-ok’s gaze turned cold as well.
Negotiation is a process where parties with different interests find a point of agreement.
Once a one-sided demand is made, it can no longer be called a negotiation.
“Such words are difficult to accept.”
Then, in an utterly frigid voice, she said.
“I truly believed we could find a point of agreement that would satisfy both sides. But it seems I was mistaken.”
Force must be met with force.
Pleading with an unreasonable opponent would only result in losing the upper hand.
“Then the negotiations have broken down.”
Yeon Ja-gang calmly stood up.
“It seems the Demonic Cult intends to use you as a scapegoat, Mistress. How unfortunate.”
A faint smile touched his lips.
“The rumor is widespread that you were given this mission because you are engaged to the Lord of the Martial Soul Order.”
“Is that so?”
Dan So-ok, also rising from her seat, said calmly.
“I was under the impression that the newly appointed Grand Marshal was enthusiastically leading this operation.”
She looked at Yeon Ja-gang and said coldly.
“His position will become even more precarious if he cannot even conclude a negotiation like this properly.”
“It seems you are prepared for the consequences.”
“What is there to be prepared for?”
Dan So-ok turned her body and said coldly.
“Relay this to your Grand Marshal. Our Cult is ready at any time.”
Yeon Ja-gang retorted with equal confidence.
“Since a satisfactory agreement has not been reached, my Hall will continue to be stationed near Guwol Mountain. If you wish, try to drive us out.”
Dan So-ok did not reply and turned to leave the Lover’s Pavilion.
Watching her leave, Yeon Ja-gang wore a faint smile.
“This is going well.”
He never needed negotiations in the first place.
Having already brought his troops to the Guwol Mountain area, he had no intention of withdrawing them, even if the Demonic Cult used force.
“We’re leaving.”
After giving a short command to his subordinates, he slowly turned around.
And from a distance, having overheard the entire conversation, a glint flashed in Bu Eun-seol’s eyes.
‘So that was your intention all along.’
The Martial Alliance had no intention of negotiating from the start.
Once they had moved their troops here, they had absolutely no intention of pulling them back.
The Demonic Cult was unlikely to start a full-scale war between the righteous and demonic factions just to reclaim the trade routes around Guwol Mountain.
Even if Dan So-ok were to push forward with the warriors of the Hall of Ten Thousand Demons, they could not defeat the forces of the Divine Authority Corps backing the Majestic Dragon Hall.
‘I had no intention of getting involved myself, but…’
Originally, Bu Eun-seol had only one goal for this expedition.
To clear Gong-son Dan-gyeong’s suspicions.
But now, another task had been added.
He had to help Dan So-ok, who had taken on this unreasonable mission to help him despite knowing it was impossible…
and ensure she did not suffer a loss in these negotiations.
***
Returning to the barracks, Bu Eun-seol began to assess the situation and formulate a plan.
‘Grand Marshal Gong-son intends to seize the Guwol Mountain region, even if it means resorting to armed conflict. He has both the justification and sufficient forces to win.’
Judging by Yeon Ja-gang’s attitude, even if Dan So-ok were to order an all-out attack from the Hall of Ten Thousand Demons, Gong-son Dan-gyeong had no intention of retreating.
In fact, he seemed to be hoping for a clash.
In other words, unless the Demonic Cult and the Martial Alliance were preparing for a full-scale war, there was no way to reclaim the influence around Guwol Mountain.
But Bu Eun-seol relentlessly began to devise a strategy.
‘He wants a fight… does he?’
Finally, a good plan came to mind, and a smile formed on Bu Eun-seol’s lips.
‘Then a fight he shall have.’
Summoning all the members of the Apex Unit to his tent, Bu Eun-seol gave a short command.
“From now on, we must create a map of the Guizhou region.”
“A map, sir?”
“Yes. Not just any map, but one that marks all the forces in the Guizhou region, both righteous and demonic.”
The unit members blinked with puzzled expressions.
They had seen with their own eyes how the Master of the Majestic Dragon Hall, Yeon Ja-gang, had treated Bu Eun-seol with disrespect upon their arrival.
Furthermore, they weren’t expected to play a significant role in these negotiations. Why would he order them to create such a map?
“Our unit is known for intelligence warfare. Regardless of what Hall Master Yeon thinks, shouldn’t we do what we can?”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly, as if reading their minds.
“There is also a chance of armed conflict between the Alliance and the Demonic Cult’s forces.”
The unit members exchanged glances.
—Our leader is too nice.
Despite being publicly humiliated in front of his subordinates, he was still trying to gather information for Yeon Ja-gang’s sake.
The members nodded, but at the same time, they were worried about Bu Eun-seol’s kind-heartedness.
“Actually, this is for our unit’s sake as well.”
Bu Eun-seol smiled and whispered to his men.
“A narrow-minded person like Hall Master Yeon will want to blame someone if things go wrong. This is also to prevent such an eventuality.”
At those words, Tae Mu-ryong and the other members let out a small chuckle.
They thought he was making a funny joke.
Yeon Ja-gang was an expert negotiator, and the Martial Alliance had justification on its side.
Moreover, even if an armed conflict were to occur, there was no way the Martial Alliance would lose… It was a situation where he couldn’t mess up the negotiations even if he wanted to.
“Understood. I will work with the members to create it.”
Tae Mu-ryong smiled and led the unit members away.
But how could they have known?
Just as Bu Eun-seol had predicted, Yeon Ja-gang would end up ruining everything…
and find himself completely outmaneuvered, struggling just to keep his position as Hall Master.