Chapter 484
Chapter 484
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 484
Chapter Title: Sacred Demonic Pavilion
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‘Impossible.’
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
The Absolute Demonic Path Project didn't align with the Heavenly Demon's age or generation.
Because he was a figure who had ascended to the Demonic Path's highest seat even before the Seven-Fingered Demonic Master had appeared.
So why was such a book on the Heavenly Demon's bookshelf?
Bu Eun-seol hurriedly took out the book.
‘This is…’
It was written in Tibetan, the language used by lamas.
Though he didn't know the meaning, Bu Eun-seol could tell at a glance that it was a Buddhist sutra.
‘The Heavenly Demon, who rules the Demonic Path, reads Buddhist sutras?’
Grand masters on the same level as the Heavenly Demon would have already transcended the righteous and unorthodox, entering the realm of Heaven and Man.
It wasn't so strange for them to study profound Buddhist sutras for spiritual cultivation.
‘Blood.’
The corner edge of the book had turned dark red. It was an old bloodstain.
How? Why?
Why would the Heavenly Demon be reading a sutra meant for lamas?
Why was a Buddhist sutra so deeply stained with blood?
Could this be a martial arts manual, not a sutra?
Bu Eun-seol's mind became extremely muddled, and his thoughts grew chaotic.
Staying here any longer felt like it would make him sick.
*Click.*
Hurrying out of the office, Bu Eun-seol gasped for breath.
‘Heavenly Demon.’
Just by showing him his office.
He had plunged Bu Eun-seol's mind, which had achieved spiritual enlightenment, into chaos once more…
It was impossible to fathom the depths of his martial prowess and strategic mind.
“Are you all right?”
He looked up to find a pair of beautiful eyes staring intently at him.
It was Jin-seol.
“I'm fine.”
Bu Eun-seol calmed his ragged breathing and composed his expression.
But the aftershocks of the chaos still lingered, feeling as if they were shaking his mind.
“Here, drink this. It's a cool, fragrant tea.”
“Thank you.”
Bu Eun-seol did not refuse and drank the tea.
As the cool liquid went down his throat, his mind seemed to clear.
‘I was so confident I would never suffer a spiritual blow again…’
A chill ran down Bu Eun-seol's spine.
The Heavenly Demon had brought chaos to his spirit in a new way.
And that chaos…
Was clearly something he could inflict because he knew a certain truth that Bu Eun-seol did not.
‘Heavenly Demon. It seems you too are a mountain I must eventually overcome.’
*Fwoosh.*
A bloody glint appeared in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
‘No one can attach strings to my body and control me.’
“Young Lord.”
Just then, Jin-seol's gentle voice was heard.
“The Heavenly Demon cares for you a great deal.”
It was a rather abrupt statement.
Bu Eun-seol suppressed his anger and asked with a calm expression.
“The Heavenly Demon?”
“Yes. He often spoke of you to me.”
An ordinary person would have asked what he said.
But Bu Eun-seol didn't want to hear it.
Surely, even the words coming from Jin-seol's mouth.
Were part of the Heavenly Demon's design.
“Then I shall be on my way.”
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands, Jin-seol called out to him softly.
“Just a moment.”
When Bu Eun-seol turned his head, Jin-seol lowered hers and spoke.
“Are you… by any chance, blaming me for my narrow-minded actions?”
“I don't know what you mean.”
“You trusted in my wisdom and gave me a chance. But I was stubborn, and in the end, I caused great harm to innocent people.”
She was talking about what had happened with Sim Wol in the past.
“It was the same for me.”
Bu Eun-seol said in a calm voice.
“If I had been a little wiser, I would have understood your heart, and would not have made such a suggestion.”
It was his honest feeling.
Bu Eun-seol could fathom many things, but he did not know much about a woman's heart.
He simply remembered that Jin-seol had treated him well and wanted to repay her.
So he had tried to protect her dignity by orchestrating a natural break-up of her engagement with the demon-like Sim Wol.
But in the end, his actions had wounded Jin-seol's pride, leading to the worst possible outcome.
“I was worried you might blame yourself. That you might think everything was your fault, Young Lord, just like now.”
Jin-seol spoke calmly.
“But that's a mistaken thought. Everything was my fault.”
And she apologized with all her heart.
“It's too late, but I was truly sorry.”
Traces of the hardships she had endured were deeply etched in Jin-seol's eyes and voice.
She had always been arrogant and overconfident in her own judgment.
In truth, that was a disposition common to any talented youth.
It was just that… the price of her misjudgment had been too great.
“There's no need to apologize to me.”
Bu Eun-seol could only offer a dry smile.
It was the only comfort he could offer right now.
“Then I will take my leave.”
As Bu Eun-seol turned, Jin-seol bowed her head deeply.
It felt as if she were seeing off someone who was leaving for a faraway place, never to be seen again.
“Young Lord.”
Jin-seol then said something unexpected.
“Do you know the original name of this Sacred Demonic Pavilion?”
It was a rather peculiar question.
“I do not.”
“It was the Pavilion of the Revered God. Because this was the place where the ruler of the Demonic Path, a revered, god-like ruler, resided.”
“…”
“But when the Heavenly Demon came, he changed its name to the Sacred Demonic Pavilion.”
Jin-seol looked at Bu Eun-seol and said calmly.
“The character for 'Sacred' can mean a saint with transcendent abilities, but it can also mean a wise person who listens and judges well.”
She stared intently into Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
“They say the Demonic Path is a place where all sorts of schemes and machinations run rampant, where suppression is done by force and everything moves by power. But the Heavenly Demon said that the force moving this great Demonic Palace… was nothing more than rotten desire.”
And she said in a low, whisper-like voice.
“Perhaps the Heavenly Demon wanted to change those things.”
*Twitch.*
Bu Eun-seol felt a great sense of aversion to those words.
“The Heavenly Demon himself.”
He said coldly, a sardonic smile on his lips.
“Doesn't seem to have escaped that principle.”
“Isn't that why he believes in you?”
Jin-seol gazed at Bu Eun-seol with her flawlessly clear eyes.
“That you… will be different.”
In the end, she had unasked.
Indirectly conveyed to Bu Eun-seol the conversations she'd had with the Heavenly Demon.
“I've overstepped my bounds, chattering about this and that.”
“I'll be going.”
As Bu Eun-seol turned away coldly, Jin-seol bowed respectfully.
And quietly closed the door.
Does she intend to serve the Heavenly Demon for the rest of her life? Or is there another reason?
The reason was unknown, but Bu Eun-seol could sense it instinctively.
That it would be quite a long time before he saw Jin-seol again.
Returning to the Subduing Demonic Pavilion, Bu Eun-seol held a meeting with the leaders of the Four Shadows Division.
And handled various tasks.
Because while in the Demonic Palace, he had to be faithful to his role as the Martial Soul Young Lord.
So that no vacuum would be felt whenever he might leave.
After about two days of work, Bu Eun-seol left the Demonic Palace again.
And immediately headed for the secret safe house in Xi'an.
There, not only Seo Jin-ha but also Yu Un-ryong was present.
It was to secretly discuss the matter of Shaolin.
“The Blood Shaolin are even more out of control than the rumors say.”
After hearing all of Bu Eun-seol's story, Yu Un-ryong and Seo Jin-ha were agape.
“What, they capture villains and turn them into 'reformed monks' in the name of protecting Shaolin? Is that something monks should be doing?”
As Seo Jin-ha shook his head, Yu Un-ryong also let out a hollow laugh.
“Indeed. I heard that unlike the corrupt monks of Shaolin, the Blood Shaolin don't follow the precepts… but I didn't know it was to that extent.”
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
“It's an organization that even Shaolin itself doesn't acknowledge. They wouldn't have cared about Buddhist precepts.”
However, he did not tell the two of them about the Absolute Demonic Path Project.
Not only had he sworn to Dam-jeung not to reveal it, but if the two of them learned of it…
They too could be assassinated by the Three Realms or the shadowy forces.
This was his revenge.
Having witnessed the Nameless Elder's final moments, Bu Eun-seol absolutely did not want anyone else to be sacrificed for the sake of his revenge.
Moreover, even Dam-jeung, who had been tracking them for decades, had failed to uncover the true nature of that force.
Slowly.
If he couldn't find them right away, he would travel the martial world. Moving between the Demonic Palace and the Martial Alliance… he would catch their tail.
Bu Eun-seol said to Yu Un-ryong.
“Tak Il-hon. What's his condition?”
“According to the Medicine King Hall Master, it will take a long time for him to recover. His injuries are quite old, after all.”
“Well, he did spend fifteen years in the Cave of Repentance.”
It seemed it would take a great deal of time to send Tak Il-hon as Seo Jin-ha's adjutant.
“As soon as he's fully recovered, assign him as Seo Jin-ha's adjutant.”
“Understood.”
Hearing this, Seo Jin-ha grinned.
“Still, this trip to the martial world was fruitful. To take none other than the dreaded Flying Demon as a subordinate.”
He said with a broad smile.
“Besides, that old man. His lightness skill is said to be considerable, so once his body fully recovers, Vice-Commander So will have an easier time.”
So-yo had been frantically carrying out missions, rushing back and forth between Bu Eun-seol and Seo Jin-ha.
But if Tak Il-hon became Seo Jin-ha's adjutant, his workload could be significantly reduced.
“But can we trust him? He was a great thief and a slaughtering demon, called a public enemy of the martial world.”
As Yu Un-ryong made a worried face, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
“That prideful old man even volunteered to be a servant. He hasn't completely changed his ways for the better, but he has a firm desire… he'll be fine.”
He then told them about the Ten Demonic Disciples Project he had discovered in the Heavenly Demon's office.
Seo Jin-ha, who had been listening silently, let out a deep sigh.
“So they're up to that kind of thing again.”
Then, Yu Un-ryong spoke.
“From the Demonic Palace's perspective, it would be strange not to do it. It was a very successful project.”
The Ten Demonic Disciples Project was able to assess the abilities of talents, who had always been judged by their bone structure and innate qualities, from various angles.
And because of it, they had produced an outstanding figure like Bu Eun-seol…
Considering the Demonic Palace's position, it was almost strange that they wouldn't do it.
“But it might be proceeding directly under the Heavenly Demon. Besides, considering the Demonic Palace's position, it's not something you can just blindly oppose.”
Yu Un-ryong's opinion was the same as Bu Eun-seol's.
But Seo Jin-ha retorted hotly.
“If we didn't know, fine, but you're saying we should just stand by and let them repeat something like that?”
“Our Young Lord is the heir to the Demonic Palace, not an apostle of justice. If he keeps interfering in the Demonic Palace's affairs, his standing will only diminish.”
“But.”
As the two argued, Bu Eun-seol spoke.
“First, find the whereabouts of Hall Master Baek Jeon-cheon of the Myriad Knowledge Hall. We need to know where he is and what he's doing before we can even think of opposing it.”
“Understood.”
After Yu Un-ryong replied, Seo Jin-ha said to Bu Eun-seol.
“Anyway, shouldn't you be heading to the Martial Alliance now? It's about time the morale of the members over there started to drop.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
The Apex Brigade was a multi-purpose unit that had only recently been formed.
Unlike the leaders and members of the Four Shadows Division, who had been with Bu Eun-seol for a long time, they still required a lot of guidance and command.
“Alright. I'll go to the Martial Alliance.”
“Suck up to the Ascendant Martial Hall Master. The Apex Brigade members say he spends every day researching how to rack up achievements.”
“I will.”
Bu Eun-seol looked at Yu Un-ryong and Seo Jin-ha and said.
“Then you two should return to the Four Shadows Division. I will go to the Martial Alliance.”
Just then, Yu Un-ryong spoke.
“But are you really okay?”
“With what?”
“The identity of Seonwu Jin. In the end, the Divine Calculator gave it to you. I can't help but feel uneasy about it.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“He won't be pointing a sword at me just yet. If that was his intention, he wouldn't have handed over the identity of Seonwu Jin, which he spent so long crafting.”
The Divine Calculator's intention was clear.
The eradication of the Three Realms who had infiltrated the Martial Alliance.
That aligned with Bu Eun-seol's objective, and as long as he was working towards it, the Divine Calculator would never expose his identity.
If he didn't have at least that much faith, Bu Eun-seol would never have accepted the identity of Seonwu Jin so readily.
“Then, be on your way.”
At that, Seo Jin-ha changed his appearance to look like Bu Eun-seol.
Since Bu Eun-seol hadn't yet disguised himself as Seonwu Jin, the two of them looked like reflections in a mirror.
*Crack.*
Then, Bu Eun-seol disguised himself as Seonwu Jin, instantly changing his sword and clothes.
“I'll go first.”
And with a whoosh, he was gone, leaving only Seo Jin-ha, Bu Eun-seol's shadow.
As the Bu Eun-seol who had been facing him like a mirror disappeared, leaving Seo Jin-ha standing alone.
Yu Un-ryong, who was watching quietly, felt a strange emotion.
‘It probably won't happen, but…’
According to Bu Eun-seol's story, the Seven-Fingered Demonic Master who had confined himself in the Blood Shaolin also had a shadow.
To live as another's shadow is to completely give up one's own life.
Seo Jin-ha was willingly walking that path, but… just like the Seven-Fingered Demonic Master's shadow, he worried it might lead to a sad life.
“What's wrong?”
When Seo Jin-ha smiled brightly, Yu Un-ryong felt a sting in his nose for no reason.
People in the world live only for themselves. But there are also people like this, who willingly live for others.
“Isn't it hard?”
“Don't say such useless things.”
Seo Jin-ha grinned and said.
“And when I'm the Martial Soul Young Lord, don't ever look at me like that. People will get the wrong idea.”
Yu Un-ryong's face turned red, and he snapped.
“What kind of look was I giving? I was just worried it must be hard for you to live in disguise.”
And, seemingly quite offended, he spun around and walked out.
Seo Jin-ha watched him go with a bitter smile and muttered softly.
“The way I see it, you're the same, Yu Un-ryong.”
He knew it too.
Yu Un-ryong's concern for him. And that he too had become someone who lived for others.
“But the most pitiful one is that guy.”
Seo Jin-ha looked at the spot where Bu Eun-seol had departed.
He had only come to the martial world for revenge… but fate was constantly toying with him, leading him to an unknown destination.
‘First, I should do my part.’
Shaking his head, Seo Jin-ha went outside and called out to Yu Un-ryong, who was walking ahead.
“Commander of the Sanghak. Prepare a carriage for this Young Lord.”
“Yes, yes.”
Yu Un-ryong pretended to answer politely but didn't look back.
* * *
Martial Alliance, Ascendant Martial Hall. Yuk Jang-cheon's office.
The place was filled with splendid paintings and scrolls that hadn't been there before. And luxurious furniture was piled up.
“You're here.”
As Bu Eun-seol, having returned to the Martial Alliance, entered with a bow, Yuk Jang-cheon nodded with a wide grin.
“You've worked hard, handling various matters day and night in the martial world.”
“Not at all, sir.”
Bu Eun-seol replied in a clear voice, looking around.
“But what is all this?”
“I bought them at the Henan branch of the Ten Thousand Goods Store.”
Ten Thousand Goods Store.
It was a groundbreaking large-scale store created by the Martial Alliance, where one could buy everything from high-priced artworks like old books and paintings.
To clothing, fabrics, and daily necessities, all in one building.
The purpose was to protect merchants from being extorted by the Black Faction, and in return, receive a low, periodic stall fee.
Because of this, merchants could do business with peace of mind.
And the Martial Alliance, with the periodic stall fees from the merchants, was able to resolve its chronic deficit.
It became an opportunity to alleviate a significant portion of its financial difficulties.
“The Grand Commander's meeting will soon be held in this hall's conference room.”
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
The Martial Alliance Grand Commander's meeting was originally held in the Silver Moon Pavilion.
However, the Silver Moon Pavilion was currently under renovation by order of Gongson Dan-gyeong. Therefore, this meeting was scheduled to be held in the Ascendant Martial Hall's conference room.
Of course, this was due to Yuk Jang-cheon's efforts to get on the good side of the Grand Commander, Gongson Dan-gyeong.
‘He sucks up to anyone he can.’
On the other hand, it was an attitude worthy of respect.
Yuk Jang-cheon never stopped thinking about how to catch the eye of the higher-ups, always watching for an opportunity to climb higher.
Furthermore, he knew when to bow down and when to step forward boldly.
Most young people have ambition, but many don't put in the corresponding effort.
But he, despite being over fifty, was constantly striving without a moment's rest.
And to anyone he thought could be of help, regardless of age or gender, he acted as friendly as if he would give them his own liver.
Considering his position and age, this was by no means an easy thing to do.
“What do you think? Isn't this a conference room befitting the dignity of the Grand Commander's meeting?”
Yuk Jang-cheon said, his lips twitching, in a voice full of ambition.
“It would also be a fine place for the future Council of Leaders meeting.”
“Of course, sir.”
Bu Eun-seol looked around and let out a sound of admiration.
“The Hall Master's prestige and discernment are already more than enough to be a Council Leader.”
“Hahaha. You know how to flatter, do you?”
Though he said that, he seemed pleased, laughing heartily as he spoke.
“This Hall Master has lived a humble life until now, but I put some effort into it this time. The higher-ups will likely gather in this hall often from now on.”
“You did well, sir. Trying to decorate it later would just waste unnecessary time. Like the Silver Moon Pavilion now.”
“Hahaha. Your thoughts always align with mine.”
Yuk Jang-cheon, wanting to boast for a change, pointed to a scroll beside him.
“What do you think? Do you know a bit about paintings? This was something you couldn't get even for a thousand gold pieces, but I was lucky enough to find it in the old bookstore at the Ten Thousand Goods Store.”
“Is that so?”
Bu Eun-seol looked at the painting Yuk Jang-cheon was pointing at.
It was a painting of a magnificent pine tree under the moonlight, and even at a glance, it had a certain liberating charm.
“What do you think? To your eyes?”
Yuk Jang-cheon said with a smile.
“Can you recognize what work it is? Ah, of course you would.”
Heirs of merchant guilds receive knowledge and education about old books and artworks from a young age.
Naturally, as the heir to the Seonhwa Merchant Guild, he assumed Bu Eun-seol's eye for appraisal would be exceptional.
‘Actually, I don't know much about paintings.’
Bu Eun-seol had learned many things from his grandfather, Bu Jan-yang.
But he had never learned to appraise calligraphy and paintings or to value works of art.
‘Hmm.’
Bu Eun-seol groaned inwardly.
When he thought about it, it was absurd for the heir of a merchant guild to lack knowledge of calligraphy and painting.
If it became obvious that he knew nothing about art, it was a situation where he could arouse suspicion.
“Let me take a closer look.”
Feeling Yuk Jang-cheon's expectant gaze, Bu Eun-seol pretended to appreciate the painting.
But then, something strange happened.
“It's 'The Pine's Splendor Under the Moon' by the previous generation's master painter, Chu Myeong.”
Even though he had never learned anything about calligraphy or painting.
As soon as he looked at the painting, a wealth of knowledge instantly came to mind.
It felt as if he were pulling out memories he had known long ago.