Chapter 518
Chapter 518
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 518
Chapter Title: A Sweet Proposal
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A demon sword that devours demon swords.
This iron sword was a demon-slaying sword, crafted to devour demon swords.
"A demon-slaying sword..."
Bu Eun-seol stared blankly at the sword in his hand.
He had never even heard rumors of a sword whose blade could manifest and then hide patterns like this.
"Moreover."
Thanks to the power flowing from this sword, Bu Eun-seol's blocked meridians had been cleared, and he was able to use his internal energy to eliminate the Heavenly Fire Seal.
This meant that the demon-slaying sword, like a divine sword or demonic blade, possessed a special ability.
"Is it asking me to take it?"
Feeling a low vibration from the hilt, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
He had no intention of using a demon sword in the first place, and once everything was over, he planned to completely collapse the Sword Tomb and destroy all the demon swords.
The demon-slaying sword was also a demonic object, closer to a demon sword than a divine one, so it naturally had to be destroyed.
But he owed it a debt for saving him from a crisis... he couldn't bring himself to destroy it.
*Vmmm.*
The demon-slaying sword vibrated softly again.
Then, a thought suddenly crossed his mind.
The Four Divine Artifacts were powers derived from nature itself.
They inherently contained the power to vanquish evil.
This meant a sword that could contain the power of two of these artifacts... could not be a demonic weapon that would harm humans.
"Very well."
Bu Eun-seol said, looking at the iron sword.
"We will travel together for the time being. However."
He spoke solemnly, his gaze cold.
"If you ever crave blood or demand anything else, I will shatter you immediately."
*Vmmmmm!*
The demon-slaying sword rang out with a powerful hum, as if to say, 'My only prey is demon swords.'
Bu Eun-seol emerged from Mount Taepyeong.
Not only the Sword Tomb built by the Celestial Cult, but also the connected mountainside of Mount Taepyeong had almost completely collapsed.
Moreover, there was no sign of anyone from the Celestial Cult.
It seemed they had all fled while the mechanisms were collapsing, and any who remained were likely killed by Cheon Hwa-in, who had been consumed by the Heavenly Blood Sword.
"What an absurd outcome."
The Taepyeong branch of the Celestial Cult had tried to awaken the demon swords they collected, only to meet their own ruin.
But why would they give a terrifying demon sword like the Heavenly Blood Sword to Cheon Hwa-in, a man from the Mount Hua Sect?
They couldn't have been unaware that he was a member of the Orthodox Faction.
Furthermore, where were all the demon swords they had awakened until now?
Various questions arose, but no matter how much he thought, he couldn't find any answers.
"I still have a long way to go."
Bu Eun-seol sighed, gazing at the collapsed landscape of Mount Taepyeong.
"I really could have died this time."
He had steadily raised his martial prowess and was confident that no one, aside from masters of the Transcendent Realm, could be his match.
But Bu Eun-seol still had a fundamental problem.
Powerful energies that could neither mix nor coexist were dormant within his body.
Each could be called a great masterpiece in its own field, but...
When they were all contained on a single canvas, they could no longer be called a masterpiece.
—*You need the power of the Four Deities to suppress or harmonize the energies in your body.*
Gongson Dan-a's advice echoed in his mind.
And her words had been proven true.
By obtaining the Crystal and Thunder Divine Artifacts, he had been able to envelop his body in the power of harmony and save his life.
In the end, the only way to solve this problem was to obtain the power of all Four Deities.
"First, I should head back."
The important thing now was to report everything about the Celestial Cult's branch and earn Gongson Dan-gyeong's trust.
'She will probably entrust me with a major task.'
Bu Eun-seol could feel it intuitively.
By resolving the incident at the Celestial Cult's branch, he had earned a chance to become one of Gongson Dan-gyeong's close confidants.
*Swish.*
After retrieving the shattered fragments of the Heavenly Blood Sword,
*Fwoosh.*
Bu Eun-seol immediately used his fleet-foot technique to head north, toward the Martial Alliance.
However, he was completely unaware of a crucial fact.
Because of this incident.
Because he had obtained that strange demon-slaying sword.
He had become a candidate to be the successor of the most terrifying of the Three Realms... one who had never before shown himself.
* * *
The Martial Alliance, Silver Moon Pavilion. Gongson Dan-gyeong's office.
Bu Eun-seol reported every detail of his investigation in the Sword Tomb, omitting nothing.
Except for a few facts.
Such as obtaining the iron sword that destroyed demon swords, and killing the Ghost-Faced Emissary.
—...*after covertly stealing the Ghost-Faced Emissary's key, I infiltrated the secret passage in the basement of the Sword Tomb.*
*There, I discovered and destroyed a mechanism that was injecting the blood of martial artists, which caused the Sword Tomb to begin collapsing*...
She nodded as she read the report Bu Eun-seol had submitted.
It detailed what they had been plotting and the extent of their cruelty.
"You've been through a lot."
Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled brightly, praising the achievements of Bu Eun-seol, who stood before her.
Until now, she had sent many capable intelligence agents to infiltrate the Taepyeong branch, but not a single one had returned.
If it hadn't been for Bu Eun-seol.
She would never have known why the Celestial Cult's Taepyeong branch had suddenly collapsed, or what they had been up to.
"I was lucky."
Bu Eun-seol said, taking a deep breath.
"If things had gone wrong, I too would have lost my life there."
He meant it.
If he hadn't obtained the Crystal and Thunder Divine Artifacts.
And thus couldn't have sustained the power of harmony in his body for long.
Even with the ability to fly, he would have been buried alive along with the Sword Tomb.
"You did well."
Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded in satisfaction.
"And now, we can finally have a truly candid conversation."
She wiped the smile from her face and spoke with an utterly serious expression.
"Let's move to another room for a moment."
Gongson Dan-gyeong led Bu Eun-seol to a secret space built inside her office.
It was a very private, hidden room, much like the one Bu Eun-seol had set up in the Shadow Spirit Hall.
Like Bu Eun-seol, she was clearly aware that there were ears everywhere and was extremely wary of them.
"Commander Seonu. What I am about to say is highly confidential."
Gongson Dan-gyeong said with an exceptionally solemn expression.
"The Apex Brigade is an intelligence unit, so I trust you know what will happen if my words are leaked."
"Of course."
As Bu Eun-seol answered immediately, she took a deep breath and spoke.
"There are extremely secretive factions in the martial world known only to the highest echelons. I imagine you, Commander Seonu, have had your own suspicions by now."
"What do you mean?"
"The question of whether there's a power that controls the various sects of both the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions. Whether there are clandestine figures manipulating the leaders of each sect."
At her direct words, Bu Eun-seol deliberately feigned a look of surprise.
"You're right. Looking at some of the recent incidents in the martial world, I haven't been able to shake that thought."
"It's true."
Gongson Dan-gyeong said with a resolute expression.
"Such factions do exist in the current martial world. They are a secret society called the Infinite Realm."
This time, Bu Eun-seol showed genuine surprise.
Someone of Gongson Dan-gyeong's stature should have some grasp of the Three Realms.
So why was she specifically mentioning the Infinite Realm, and not the Three Realms?
'That means...'
A faint light flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
Either Gongson Dan-gyeong, despite having risen to the position of Grand Marshal, had yet to obtain definite information about the Three Realms.
Or she knew but was intentionally only revealing the name of the Infinite Realm.
'Both are possible.'
Not all leaders of the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions know about the Three Realms.
But it was unlikely for someone like Gongson Dan-gyeong to be ignorant of them. The latter was probably more likely.
"The Infinite Realm. A unique name."
Bu Eun-seol cleared his thoughts and asked.
"But why is such an organization not known to the martial world?"
"Knowledge of the Infinite Realm is extremely limited. The vast majority of the core members of the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions are unaware of it."
Gongson Dan-gyeong said calmly.
"Even if we wanted to destroy this Infinite Realm, their power is too immense. We're struggling, not even knowing where or how to strike."
This was even more surprising.
Gongson Dan-gyeong wanted to destroy the Infinite Realm?
If she knew about the Three Realms, that was a claim she could not make lightly.
Even he, the successor of the Nangya Pavilion and the next Lord of the Demonic Sanctum, didn't dare to think of annihilating them.
He was planning to defeat them one by one over a long period of time. And yet, she wished for the annihilation of the Infinite Realm?
'But why?'
Bu Eun-seol had the absolute reason of revenge.
But Gongson Dan-gyeong had no such reason, did she?
Could she have set such a goal simply out of a desire to protect justice in the martial world?
"To speak of such things in a secret room like this means this is not an official move as the Grand Marshal."
When Bu Eun-seol immediately grasped the point, Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded.
"That's right. Their influence has not only spread secretly throughout the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions, but also within this Alliance. To openly show hostility toward them would be suicide."
"Hmm."
"I have been searching for individuals with outstanding abilities who are not well-known in the martial world. Only such people can stand against the Infinite Realm."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes sparkled.
"Can you guess why I'm looking for someone who fits that description?"
"Presumably because those with exceptional talent are likely to have already been recruited by them."
"Exactly."
Gongson Dan-gyeong exclaimed in admiration.
But Bu Eun-seol deliberately spoke with an embarrassed expression.
"As you say, Grand Marshal, I certainly haven't gained any great fame or status, so there's no way I would have been recruited by them."
"Not at all."
Gongson Dan-gyeong looked at Bu Eun-seol with exceedingly sharp eyes.
"From the very beginning, I have been suspicious of you, Commander Seonu. It's just that no matter how much I investigated, no evidence has surfaced."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm saying that I believe there is a very high probability that you, Commander Seonu, are a spy recruited by the Infinite Realm or some other outside force."
For a moment, Bu Eun-seol gaped as if at a loss for words.
"If you suspect me, why are you telling me all this?"
"The reason is simple."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes shimmered like cold starlight.
"Because even if you are a spy, your abilities are so exceptional... that I can't bear not to use them."
'So this is why she became Grand Marshal at such a young age.'
Bu Eun-seol couldn't help but admire her bold judgment and confidence.
Even if Bu Eun-seol were a spy.
She was confident she could manipulate him to her advantage.
That meant Gongson Dan-gyeong was also...
a person who, like Bu Eun-seol, would use anything to achieve her goals.
"Though it would be better if you weren't."
Gongson Dan-gyeong gave a perfectly candid smile.
"If you're not a spy, Commander Seonu, then you can truly become one of my people."
She paused for a moment, then shook her head.
"I've digressed."
Then she looked Bu Eun-seol straight in the eye and opened her mouth.
"I won't ask if you'll become my person. Someone like you, Commander Seonu, would want a definite bond."
"It seems you wouldn't believe me even if I said I'm not a spy."
"I won't deny it."
"And yet you'll still make me an offer."
Bu Eun-seol looked Gongson Dan-gyeong straight in the eye and asked.
"A sweet proposal that I couldn't possibly refuse, even if I were a spy."
Instead of answering, Gongson Dan-gyeong offered a faint smile.
She enjoyed conversing with people of great intellect.
Because in the words of a clever person, there is an effort to read the other's intentions.
And until the conversation ends, a tense atmosphere, like walking on thin ice, is maintained.
And Gongson Dan-gyeong was someone who enjoyed a tense atmosphere more than anyone.
"Precisely."
Taking a deep breath, Gongson Dan-gyeong dropped a bombshell.
"I am thinking of appointing you, Commander Seonu, to the vacant position of Lord of the Mucheon Division."
"......!"
"As a replacement for Lord Deungmu."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
He had accomplished much, but he was still only a Second-Class Commander in the Martial Alliance.
Besides, he wasn't even thirty years old. How could he become a Division Lord?
"You must be thinking, 'How could such a thing be possible in this rigid Alliance, which places so much importance on rank and seniority?' Am I wrong?"
"I thought so at first, but not anymore."
"Why is that?"
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"Because the person who shattered that precedent is sitting right in front of me."
That's right.
Gongson Dan-gyeong had risen to the position of Grand Marshal of the Martial Alliance in her thirties.
Considering the history of the Martial Alliance, which extremely valued seniority and rank, it was an absolutely impossible feat.
But she had done it.
Which meant she had the power to make such a thing happen again.
"It's nice that I don't have to repeat myself with you, Commander Seonu."
Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled warmly.
"So, what do you say? With conditions like these, will you join hands with me?"
"Do you believe I have the ability for that?"
"Of course."
Gongson Dan-gyeong gazed at him with eyes full of conviction.
"I've felt it for a while, but this mission has made it certain. Commander Seonu. You are hiding considerable power."
"..."
"If you join me, you won't have to hide your power anymore. Your abilities will become my own."
Gongson Dan-gyeong presented her conclusion once more.
"I would like you to decide now, yes or no."
Bu Eun-seol could not answer immediately.
This proposal from Gongson Dan-gyeong.
Meant betraying Yuk Jang-cheon, who had trusted him implicitly and tried to help him build his achievements.
Gongson Dan-gyeong's large eyes were filled with confidence, and a smile played on her lips.
She believed.
That Bu Eun-seol would definitely betray Yuk Jang-cheon.
"You believe I have the ability to defeat Lord Yuk."
To become the Lord of the Mucheon Division, he would ultimately have to surpass Yuk Jang-cheon, the grandmaster of martial arts known as the 'Palm King' among the Seven Kings.
And Gongson Dan-gyeong was betting that Bu Eun-seol would win in a confrontation with Yuk Jang-cheon.
Even knowing the possibility that he could be a spy.
'Incredible. She's a truly fearsome woman.'
To become the successor of the Demonic Sanctum, he had endured all sorts of schemes and secret struggles, continuing life-or-death battles.
And yet Gongson Dan-gyeong, who seemed to have lived her whole life like a sheltered greenhouse flower... was living a life not so different from his own.
"I would think someone like you, Commander Seonu, has already finished their calculations. Am I wrong?"
Bu Eun-seol spoke, meeting Gongson Dan-gyeong's confident gaze.
"There is just one thing that bothers me."
"Please, speak."
"What happens if I refuse?"
The moment Bu Eun-seol refused, there would be a risk of exposing the important secret that Gongson Dan-gyeong was opposing the Infinite Realm.
And his good relationship with Yuk Jang-cheon would immediately sour.
A person like her couldn't possibly have failed to prepare a countermeasure for this.
But an unexpected answer came back.
"Nothing will happen."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm saying that will never happen."
Gongson Dan-gyeong looked at Bu Eun-seol with eyes full of conviction.
"Because you, Commander Seonu, will definitely accept my proposal."
A profound light flowed from her large, ocean-like eyes.
"You want to rise to the top of the Martial Alliance as quickly as possible. Desperately so."
"..."
"Otherwise, you never would have gone under Lord Deungmu. Not when you went so far as to refuse the interest and favor of the Lord of the Seongwi Division."
Perhaps this was all too obvious.
Bu Eun-seol had kicked away the sturdy bridge of the Seongwi Division and stepped onto the unstable one of the Deungmu Division.
The reason was singular.
He was confident that he could make Yuk Jang-cheon the Division Lord and become the Vice Lord himself.
To others, it might seem like a pipe dream, but Bu Eun-seol had the ability to make it happen.
Gongson Dan-gyeong had not only seen through Bu Eun-seol's plan but was also certain he had the capability for it.
'A dangerous but attractive bridge.'
Making Yuk Jang-cheon the Lord of the Mucheon Division and becoming the Vice Lord himself was the best plan Bu Eun-seol had devised.
But this too would take a considerable amount of time.
Moreover, the authority of a Vice Lord might not be enough to reach the core echelons of the Martial Alliance.
But if he became one of the Seven Division Lords?
He would never have to worry about that.
'I have no choice.'
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands together.
"I accept your proposal, Grand Marshal."
Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded as if she knew he would.
"A wise decision."
Then she took a deep breath, her eyes sparkling as she stared at Bu Eun-seol.
"Then we must quickly promote you to First-Class Commander, Commander Seonu."
In the past, the Grand Marshal could have appointed a First-Class Commander by her authority alone.
Those at the Division Lord level or higher had the authority to appoint First-Class Commanders.
But when Cheon Geom, the Sword Venerable's disciple, became a First-Class Commander in that manner, the Martial Alliance suffered irreversible criticism and disgrace.
After that, appointments within the Martial Alliance based on connections without merit became impossible.
To appoint a First-Class Commander, a majority of the Hall Masters had to approve the appointment.
The consent of a majority of Hall Masters.
That meant one had to accumulate such immense merit that they couldn't possibly be denied the position of First-Class Commander.
"You don't seem surprised."
"Because it's not surprising."
Bu Eun-seol did not doubt Gongson Dan-gyeong's words.
Because she had the power and intellect to achieve such things.
"I imagine this is not unrelated to the recent Celestial Cult incident."
"You've already figured it out."
Gongson Dan-gyeong looked genuinely impressed.
The more she spoke with Bu Eun-seol, the more certain she became that he possessed an intellect on par with her own.
And that made Gongson Dan-gyeong extremely pleased.
If Bu Eun-seol's abilities were even greater than she had anticipated, it meant he could handle even more complex and difficult tasks.
"Because of the incident caused by the Celestial Cult's Taepyeong branch, the Alliance has gained the justification to deal with them."
"In that case."
"I intend to mobilize our forces immediately and strike the Celestial Cult's headquarters."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
Although the history of the Celestial Cult couldn't be called long, it had already grown into a major sect that dominated the Yellow River region.
Especially since they weren't purely a martial faction but also included common people.
Attacking such a place required significant justification.
"Even with justification, it won't be an easy task."
The Yangmun Mountain area, where the Celestial Cult was based, was a natural fortress. A thousand men could fend off ten thousand.
Especially since there were only two paths to enter.
Once the battle began, they could use various strategies to block the entry of a large army.
"The collapse of the Celestial Cult is just a matter of procedure."
Gongson Dan-gyeong said, her eyes gleaming.
"The problem is how to ensure you, Commander Seonu, can accumulate enough merit in this expedition to be promoted to First-Class Commander."
*Thump.*
Spreading a map on the table, Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled at Bu Eun-seol.
"Let's discuss that now."