Chapter 48
Chapter 48
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 48
Chapter Title: The Death-Seeking Squad
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Opening the door in the corner of the smithy revealed a small office furnished with a table and other effects.
Seated at a square table, Wang Geol looked at Bu Eun-seol and asked.
“The state of the martial world? What exactly do you mean by that?”
“The basic knowledge any martial artist should have.”
“I see.”
Wang Geol took a thick booklet from a shelf in the office and placed it on the table.
“What is this?”
“Everything you want to know.”
Judging by the book’s condition, it had clearly been made recently.
As Bu Eun-seol carefully opened it, his eyes widened.
It contained not only a general overview of the martial world, but also the characteristics and information of each sect, as well as rough profiles of renowned masters.
‘This was made recently.’
The booklet even included detailed information about the Ten Demonic Successors.
‘Surely he didn’t make this for me.’
Wang Geol was a man who spent every waking moment forging weapons and tools. If he had written this book himself, he must have sacrificed his sleeping hours.
And yet, the book’s contents precisely addressed all the things Bu Eun-seol had been curious about.
“Are you planning to venture into the martial world?”
At Wang Geol’s question, Bu Eun-seol could not hide his surprise.
“How did you know?”
“Because you don’t have time.”
Just like Hyeol-geum-gang and Baek-yeon, Wang Geol could read Bu Eun-seol like an open book.
“If you read all of that, you won’t suffer from a lack of knowledge, at least. Burn it after you’ve finished.”
“Understood. Thank you.”
As he put the book away and turned to leave, Bu Eun-seol was struck by a strange premonition.
It was a gut feeling.
Master Cheol, Wang Geol, who seemed to know everything.
If so, perhaps he also knew something about the fiend who killed his grandfather.
And it felt as though, even if he were to ask, the man wouldn’t press him for a reason.
“I would like to ask one more thing.”
Bu Eun-seol forcefully calmed his ragged breath and met Wang Geol’s gaze.
He was about to ask about the fiend’s characteristics—something he had never asked anyone until now.
If he were to ask Dan Cheong or Baek-yeon about the fiend, they would surely question him relentlessly or investigate behind his back.
But he felt that Master Cheol, Wang Geol, would answer without such questions.
“…One who uses a sword technique that shoots up from below, freely manipulating their own bones and muscles, with the skill to sever both hands of a moving target with perfect, unwavering precision.”
Wang Geol spoke with an intensity Bu Eun-seol had never seen before.
“On top of that, they use hidden weapons laced with musk and the virulent Flesh-Rotting Heat poison, a tool only human butchers would use.”
Silence filled the study for a long moment.
After about half an incense stick of time, Wang Geol spoke in a low voice.
“If such a person exists, then debating their level of martial prowess or their sect affiliation may be meaningless.”
“Why is that?”
“Because for someone with such a formidable sword art to also resort to hidden weapons and poison… it’s highly likely they are a spy, an agent operating without revealing their identity to the martial world.”
As Bu Eun-seol mulled over Wang Geol’s words, his eyes trembled like water.
‘The fiend who killed my grandfather might not be a renowned master of a demonic sect… but a spy?’
He had simply thought the killer was a demonic master with an incredible sword art.
He had even thought that after mastering Nang-ya-gak’s martial arts, he could easily find the culprit by going through the list of renowned demonic masters.
But to think the killer might be a spy whose identity was hidden from the martial world?
“Of course, this is merely speculation.”
Wang Geol continued calmly.
“Even if they are a spy, someone with that level of martial skill would surely be in a high-ranking position, or would be rising through the ranks at an accelerated pace.”
In short, it meant there was a high probability the person was a big shot.
And that, in turn, was proof that Bu Jan-yang might have also been an incredibly important figure.
“I see.”
Quietly swallowing his shock, Bu Eun-seol cupped his hands.
“Then I will take my leave.”
But just as he was about to step out the door,
“Wait.”
Wang Geol said in a low voice.
“I have a proposal for you.”
***
Cheong-pung-jae.
The residence of Dan Cheong, the Vice Pavilion Master of Nang-ya-gak.
With the current Pavilion Master in seclusion, Dan Cheong had a great deal of work to do.
Although Nang-ya-gak occupied the lowest seat among the Ten Demonic Sects and had few disciples, that was only in comparison to the major demonic powers.
In terms of scale and number of members, it was on par with any of the sects in the Nine Great Sects, One Union.
‘Hmph.’
Sitting in his office and looking through a pile of letters, Dan Cheong scratched his head.
‘Even I have to admit, our security is a bit lax. Letting just anyone in with a simple request for an escort… Honestly.’
Seeing Bu Eun-seol, who had just strode into his office led by a servant, Dan Cheong resolved to change the reporting structure someday.
“So. What brings you here?”
“I wish to venture into the martial world.”
“The martial world?”
As Dan Cheong blinked, Bu Eun-seol spoke.
“That is correct.”
“Why?”
“To complete my practical combat arts quickly, I must gain enlightenment through real battle.”
“Well, you’re not wrong, but it’s not possible.”
Dan Cheong said firmly.
“To go out into the martial world, you must be affiliated with one of the Pavilion’s halls or squads. And you must receive permission from your Hall Master or Squad Leader. That is the law of this Pavilion.”
Dan Cheong picked up a tall stack of documents from his desk and said.
“Even as the Vice Pavilion Master, I cannot simply send you out as I please.”
“I am aware.”
“You are?”
Bu Eun-seol spoke as if he had been waiting for this.
“I will join the Gu-sal Squad. Please grant me permission.”
“What did you say?”
Dan Cheong, who had been reading one of the letters, shot up from his seat, his eyes flashing.
“Where did you hear the name Gu-sal Squad?”
His voice was solemn, and his eyes held a hint of anger.
“I heard it from Master Cheol.”
The ‘proposal’ Wang Geol had made to Bu Eun-seol.
It was an invitation to join the Gu-sal Squad, a unit that handled the secret missions handed down by the Demonic Alliance.
Dan Cheong paused for a moment, then frowned.
“Master Cheol spoke out of turn.”
“Will you grant me permission?”
“Do you even know what the Gu-sal Squad does?”
The Gu-sal Squad.
It was a unit that carried out secret missions the Demonic Alliance did not officially acknowledge: assassination, kidnapping, destruction, theft of important resources, and so on.
Every sect affiliated with the Demonic Alliance was required, without exception, to dispatch a certain number of members to the Gu-sal Squad.
“I know.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded grimly.
“I know that the moment I join the Gu-sal Squad, my existence will be erased, and I will have to carry out missions where I must risk my life each time.”
In truth, Master Cheol, Wang Geol, was the former commander of the Gu-sal Squad.
Recognizing not only Bu Eun-seol’s exceptional talent but also his desire to experience the bloody reality of the martial world, he had recommended that he become a member.
“Listen carefully to what I am about to say.”
Dan Cheong spoke with a very serious gaze.
“Every sect, orthodox or unorthodox, professionally trains spies. That goes without saying for grand alliances like the Demonic Alliance and the Martial Alliance.”
“Spies, you say.”
“That’s right. A fight between individuals might depend on who can draw their sword faster. But a war between sects or factions depends on who operates the more superior intelligence organization.”
Catching his breath, Dan Cheong continued.
“A single piece of high-level intelligence can bankrupt a perfectly stable sect or turn an allied sect into a hostile one. Not only that, but outstanding spies can easily infiltrate enemy lines or assassinate their leaders.”
Dan Cheong looked at Bu Eun-seol and went on.
“In the past, the Demonic Alliance trained spies directly under its command. But there were several problems with spies trained professionally in one place.”
“What kind of problems?”
“Since they were all trained in one place, rosters of the agents existed. And if a traitor emerged, the damage would spread to all the other agents.”
Dan Cheong let out a sigh.
“To compensate for that weakness, the Demonic Alliance began dispatching elite masters from each sect and giving them secret missions.”
Bu Eun-seol’s eyes widened.
Nameless agents dispatched from various sects, rather than spies belonging to a single organization—that would certainly prevent any messy aftermath.
“They do so without asking who the operative is, or even which sect they belong to. The unit that handles such missions is the Gu-sal Squad. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
The martial world was not a place where one could win simply by being strong.
Hearing Dan Cheong’s words, Bu Eun-seol realized there was another side to the martial world, one he knew nothing about.
“Above all, the reason I am against this is that the moment you join the Gu-sal Squad, you will no longer be a disciple of Nang-ya-gak, nor a member of the Demonic Alliance… you will be nothing.”
In short, it meant that if something went wrong, no one would take responsibility for him.
“A disciple of this Pavilion volunteers for the Gu-sal Squad in only two situations: they have committed a great crime, or they are in desperate need of money.”
Dan Cheong said in a low voice.
“By completing missions for the Gu-sal Squad, one can have certain crimes pardoned. Also, the Demonic Alliance pays a large sum for each mission, so those in need of money go there.”
Dan Cheong spoke again.
“But you are destined to become a figure who represents this Pavilion. There is no need for you to become an enforcer for the Gu-sal Squad, taking on such rough work.”
“I do not mind.”
“You, a Ten Demonic Successor of this Pavilion, wish to become a member of the Gu-sal Squad?”
“I want to become stronger.”
“You can become strong enough in your position as a Ten Demonic Successor.”
Bu Eun-seol shook his head firmly.
“I must become stronger, quickly.”
Bu Eun-seol had already laid the foundation of practical combat arts.
The more he repeated life-and-death battles, the faster he would grow stronger.
“I was told that rather than wandering the martial world aimlessly, it is better to become a member of the Gu-sal Squad and receive official missions, even if it is dangerous.”
Dan Cheong was at a loss for words.
It was true, after all, that one grew stronger faster than anyone else by experiencing life-and-death struggles.
“Is there a reason you wish to become stronger so quickly?”
At Dan Cheong’s question, Bu Eun-seol pressed his lips together.
Realizing that Bu Eun-seol would not answer no matter how many times he asked, Dan Cheong sighed.
“Fine. I will tell you one more thing.”
Dan Cheong spoke in a low voice, as if he had made a decision.
“The Ten Demonic Successors was a plan pushed by the Lord of the Demonic Alliance. From the perspective of the Ten Demonic Sects, even if an outstanding successor is born, we cannot abandon the loyal disciples we have raised for years, or our direct bloodlines.”
After a brief pause, Dan Cheong continued.
“The title of Ten Demonic Successor is nothing more than the forging of a sword that can be used without hesitation to deal with the Great Masters of the orthodox faction.”
“I know.”
“You know?”
Recalling the story Baek Jeon-cheon had told him at the Demonic Alliance, Bu Eun-seol answered.
“The Hall Master of Man-bak Hall told me the same thing.”
“The Hall Master of Man-bak Hall… you mean Baek Jeon-cheon?”
“Yes.”
After a moment of surprise, Dan Cheong nodded.
‘I see. He’s taken a liking to this boy too.’
Bu Eun-seol possessed a talent that made the heart of any true warrior pound.
It was the feeling of seeing something you had searched for your entire life standing right before your eyes.
“Is that so.”
Clearing his throat, Dan Cheong stared intently at Bu Eun-seol.
“But this Pavilion is different.”
As Dan Cheong stared at Bu Eun-seol, his eyes blazed like the sun.
“In this Pavilion, we intend to make you a true successor.”
Dan Cheong saw Bu Eun-seol not as an expendable pawn called a Ten Demonic Successor, but as the heir who would be responsible for Nang-ya-gak’s next generation.
Pausing for a moment, Dan Cheong asked Bu Eun-seol.
“And you still wish to become a member of the Gu-sal Squad?”
“Yes.”
Dan Cheong had nothing more to say.
Even the most prestigious post is worthless if the man himself refuses it. If the boy wouldn’t listen even after all this, there was nothing more he could do.
“Dangerous trials make a warrior strong. But the missions the Gu-sal Squad undertakes are less like trials and more like gambles with one’s life.”
Sighing, Dan Cheong said.
“The original name of the Gu-sal Squad was the Gu-sa Squad—the Death-Seeking Squad. Because its members carry out their missions with no expectation of returning alive.”
“I understand what you are trying to say, Vice Pavilion Master.”
Bu Eun-seol said with an unwavering gaze.
“But I am only trying to become stronger quickly. What you are worried about will not happen.”
“And why is that?”
“I am not a Ten Demonic Successor. I am a disciple of Nang-ya-gak.”
—A disciple of Nang-ya-gak is not weak.
Those were Dan Cheong’s words from the past.
And that, surely, was what Bu Eun-seol wanted to say as well.
“I don’t understand.”
Dan Cheong let out a faint smile.
Nang-ya-gak had never been a place with master-disciple relationships or strong bonds of fellowship.
It was simply a gathering of wolves who wished to become stronger, a place where they passed down and inherited their ultimate techniques.
So why was Bu Eun-seol so loyal to Nang-ya-gak?
This time, as if he had read Dan Cheong’s mind, Bu Eun-seol answered calmly.
“Because Nang-ya-gak is my home now.”