Chapter 1020
A few days later.
As feared, the moment the Demonic Governance Council concluded, disaster struck.
The senior officials of the Demon Hall had resolved the current crisis in the simplest and most straightforward manner possible.
―Since the Martial Soul Lord is the cause, let the Martial Soul Lord handle it.
Yeop Hyo-cheon summoned Bu Eun-seol to the Singular Light Pavilion and relayed the council's decision.
―If we allow the Extinction Palace to withdraw like this, a chain reaction of defections among the Demonic Path Ten Gates could follow.
Especially factions like the Hell Blood Citadel or White Horse Monastery—those already half-sealed due to the Martial Soul Lord's actions would be even more inclined to leave.
In a firm voice, he issued the command:
―As the Heir of the Demon Hall, you must personally and decisively resolve this matter.
In the end, they had not only pinned the responsibility for this crisis on Bu Eun-seol but also dumped the entire burden of finding a solution onto his shoulders.
―The Martial Soul Lord must have a splitting headache.
When this outcome became known, the reaction among the Demon Hall and the demonic factions was unanimous—sympathy.
No matter how exceptional his martial arts and wisdom were, he couldn't have foreseen this situation.
And this wasn't something that could be resolved alone.
This wasn't about cutting down enemies or defeating them in battle—it was about turning the hearts of allies who had already turned their backs on him.
To suddenly reverse the decisions of the Demonic Path Ten Gates, factions that harbored open hostility toward him? That was practically impossible.
Moreover, this crisis wasn't limited to just the Extinction Palace.
―The Fire Rain Sword Sect sent heads to the Martial Soul Lord.
Even the Fire Rain Sword Sect.
Under the sole pretext that they had taught Bu Eun-seol martial arts, they had ordered Jin Gak, Cheon Un-gwang, and Dan Cheon-yang to crush him.
And when that order wasn't properly carried out, they beheaded them and sent their heads to the Hidden Demon Pavilion.
―Coexistence is impossible.
In the end, the Fire Rain Sword Sect, just like the Extinction Palace, had made it clear with absolute resolve that they would never walk the same path as the Martial Soul Lord.
When this fact became known, the martial world of the demonic path reacted with deep concern.
Even if he somehow resolved the issue with the Extinction Palace, the Fire Rain Sword Sect's decision was irreversible.
Before long, Bu Eun-seol will not only have to relinquish his position as the Heir of the Demon Hall but might also have to offer his own head as penance for the crisis he had caused.
―At the very least, he must persuade the Extinction Palace to put out the immediate fire.
The martial world's reaction was unanimous.
If this trend were left unchecked?
The Extinction Palace would only be the beginning—a wave of defections from the Demonic Path Ten Gates would follow, and all the blame would rain down upon Bu Eun-seol.
Hidden Demon Pavilion, Grand Conference Hall
The leaders had gathered to rack their brains over this sudden emergency.
"This won't be easy."
Yu Un-ryong shook his head as he spoke.
"To resolve this, we'd need the support of at least a majority of the Demonic Path Ten Gates... but even if we include the Bloodflame Blade Family, that's only four factions."
Though their relationship had begun with hostility, because of his ties with Do Cheon-rin, the Bloodflame Blade Family's leader, Do Mu-jeok, had withdrawn his antagonistic stance toward Bu Eun-seol.
But even if they convinced Do Mu-jeok to lend his support... they still wouldn't have the backing of a majority of the Demonic Path Ten Gates.
"Even the Extreme Killing Secret Pavilion, which we could consider neutral at best, isn't exactly friendly. Thanks to Seok U-haeng, they're practically half-sealed."
Myo Cheon-u sighed as he shook his head.
Due to Seok U-haeng's suicide in the underground waterways, the Extreme Killing Secret Pavilion had lost a third of its elite forces and halted all external activities.
Now, just hearing the term Ten Demonic Heir made them tremble with rage.
Naturally, they wouldn't look favorably upon Bu Eun-seol, another inheritor from the same selection.
"As for the others, we'd be lucky if they just didn't interfere."
Wi Cheon-gyeong also shook his head.
The Hell Blood Citadel and White Horse Monastery had repeatedly clashed directly with Bu Eun-seol, leaving them half-sealed.
And the Death Command Gate had suffered heavy losses and bitter defeat when they tried to stop Bu Eun-seol at the Fleeting Moment Boat.
Realistically speaking, if they excluded Langya Pavilion, Fleeting Moment Boat, and Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying...
The rest of the Demonic Path Ten Gates were effectively his enemies.
"Even if we somehow persuade the Extinction Palace, the problem remains. Unless we can change the Fire Rain Sword Sect's stance, the defections of the other demonic factions will only accelerate."
At Wi Cheon-gyeong's words, Jo Nam-cheon shook his head.
"Who would've thought the Demonic Path Ten Gates would stab us in the back like this? This is a complete dead end."
Then Yu Un-ryong, who had been deep in thought, spoke again.
"There's a hidden force behind this."
"A hidden force?"
Myo Cheon-u blinked in surprise, and Yu Un-ryong continued.
"We'll need to investigate further, but there are rumors that the Extinction Palace Lord's martial prowess has suddenly increased dramatically."
He spoke calmly.
"In the end, the reason the Extinction Palace made such a sudden move must be tied to this abrupt surge in strength... and behind that surge, there must be outside interference."
When Myo Cheon-u picked up the thread, Yu Un-ryong nodded.
"Exactly. A master at the Extinction Palace Lord's level couldn't have experienced such a sudden breakthrough in martial arts on their own."
The martial arts of the Demonic Path Ten Gates' leaders were already at the peak of the Extreme Heaven Realm or had even touched the threshold of Limitless Equal Enlightenment.
At such unfathomable heights, an abrupt leap in martial prowess was nearly impossible.
"The bigger problem is that negotiation was never an option to begin with."
Yu Un-ryong spoke calmly.
"If negotiation were possible, even if they intended to withdraw, they would never have dared to inscribe the Martial Soul Lord's name in their declaration."
Bu Eun-seol, who had been silently listening to the leaders' discussion, finally opened his mouth.
"I have no intention of negotiating with the Extinction Palace."
"What?"
"Cutting off the heads of those who instigated this incident will settle the matter."
Bu Eun-seol delivered these utterly shocking words with chilling composure.
"And after that—the Fire Rain Sword Sect."
His expression was unyielding.
"I will behead the master of the Fire Rain Sword Sect who sent me those heads."
The leaders were so stunned by his declaration that they couldn't even close their mouths.
Bu Eun-seol was still the heir of the Demon Hall.
The Fire Rain Sword Sect, in particular, represented the Demonic Path Ten Gates—a sect that had upheld the title of the Demonic Path's Greatest Sword Sect for generations.
Even if he mobilized the full might of the Demon Hall's army, storming their stronghold would be no simple feat.
And even if he could do it... from that day onward, Bu Eun-seol would become the public enemy of the entire Demonic Path.
"Are you saying you intend to topple the Demonic Path Ten Gates?" Wi Cheon-gyeong asked.
Bu Eun-seol replied indifferently,
"I said I would behead the leaders responsible for this."
The leaders shook their heads in unison at his resolute answer.
"That is absolutely impossible."
Even if they conceded the Extinction Palace, attacking the Fire Rain Sword Sect—the foremost sword sect of the Demonic Path—was sheer madness.
Beheading its leader would be no different from declaring war on the entire Demonic Path.
"Our current forces are nowhere near sufficient."
Moreover, attempting to strike both the Extinction Palace and the Fire Rain Sword Sect with the Death Shadow War Unit's troops would be like smashing an egg against a boulder.
There was no chance of success.
"Let me say this again—"
A cold glint flashed in Bu Eun-seol's eyes as he looked at the leaders.
"I am not talking about destroying the two sects. I said I would cut off the heads of the leaders who orchestrated this."
The leaders exchanged uneasy glances.
Whether he destroyed the sects or beheaded their leaders, wasn't it the same in the end?
"Even if it were possible, provoking the Fire Rain Sword Sect is out of the question. It shouldn't be done," Wi Cheon-gyeong cautiously advised.
At this, Myo Cheon-u seemed to realize something as he stared at Bu Eun-seol.
"Are you planning to mobilize a third force to resolve this?"
Bu Eun-seol was the Martial Soul Society Leader.
Moreover, in an emergency, he could persuade Bukgung Ryeong to mobilize the Azure Heaven Alliance.
In short, he had no shortage of external forces to call upon.
"That won't be necessary."
Bu Eun-seol's tone was firm.
"This matter must be resolved with the strength of the Death Shadow War Unit. Only then will the Demonic Heavenly Emperor and the rest of the Demonic Path accept it."
"But how?"
"I already told you."
An icy chill seeped from Bu Eun-seol's gaze.
"Cut them down. That's all."
Then he added,
"And when that happens, their withdrawal will be as if it never occurred."
The leaders took a deep breath.
Once Bu Eun-seol made up his mind, he never wavered.
If he said he would behead the leaders of the two great sects to prevent their withdrawal—
Then that was exactly what would happen.
Bu Eun-seol prepared for his visit to the Extinction Palace.
He mobilized the intelligence network of the Death Soul Squad to thoroughly investigate the sect's current situation once more.
Then he laid out multiple contingency plans and strategies.
Truthfully, he had long anticipated such a move from the Demonic Path Ten Gates, so it wasn't particularly surprising.
The only thing he couldn't understand was the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's reaction.
Though the declaration of withdrawal had stamped "Martial Soul Lord" as the reason, strictly speaking, this was a matter the Demonic Heavenly Emperor himself should have intervened in.
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor was the master of the Demon Hall—the Number One of the Demonic Path.
Even if the Demonic Path Ten Gates were the ten pillars supporting the Demon Hall, from the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's perspective—
They were nothing more than subordinates.
Yet they had brazenly declared their withdrawal from the Demon Hall.
Not only did this severely undermine the authority of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, the supreme leader of the Demonic Path, but it was also an act of outright insubordination.
'And there's no way he wouldn't see through it.'
Bu Eun-seol held no particular affection for the Demonic Path.
The same went for the Extinction Palace, which had once harmed Myo Cheon-u.
He knew full well that if he acted, a major clash was inevitable.
So why was the Demonic Heavenly Emperor tolerating this?
'The outcome of this negotiation—'
The Extinction Palace had already been confirmed to be under the influence of an external force during the Sindo Un-hwi incident.
Meanwhile, the Fire Rain Sword Sect had been weaving unknown schemes—using Myo Cheon-u to infiltrate spies, even hiding a boy with a fake body connected to the Ghost Return Plan.
And now, by sending the heads of Cheon Un-gwang and others, they had made it clear to the world that coexistence with Bu Eun-seol was no longer possible.
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor knew Bu Eun-seol would never let this slide.
He knew any peaceful negotiation was impossible.
Yet he remained silent, allowing the senior members to shift all responsibility onto Bu Eun-seol without objection.
'Then...'
A subtle expression crossed Bu Eun-seol's face.
'He actually wants me to do it.'
He had long intended to purge certain factions within the Demonic Path Ten Gates—starting with the Fire Rain Sword Sect.
Among them were irredeemable rot and even traitors colluding with external forces.
Leaving things as they were would inevitably endanger not only himself but also those around him—this was as clear as day.
If he hadn't provoked them at all, perhaps it would have been different.
But once provoked, he always eradicated the root cause—there was no way they didn't know that.
Yet they showed no reaction whatsoever?
'It doesn't matter what scheme they're plotting.'
Ever since the Life and Death Palm Decree had been issued, he had prepared himself to leave the Demon Hall at any moment.
Moreover, the Martial Soul Society had been growing steadily.
Given a little more time, they would reach a level where they could hold their own even among the combined forces of the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths.
And if he used this opportunity to annihilate the Extinction Palace and the Fire Rain Sword Sect, weakening the influence of the Demonic Path Ten Gates?
Then the Martial Soul Society might even gain a safer path to expand further.
Knock, knock.
Just then, the sound of knocking echoed, and Yu Un-ryong entered with a grave expression.
"As expected, an external force was involved."
He placed a thick ledger on the table and continued,
"Not only has the Extinction Palace Lord's martial prowess risen sharply, but traces of Limitless Power—as if he had ascended to the Martial Extreme Realm—have been detected."
Bu Eun-seol nodded as if it were only natural.
"If it weren't to that extent, he wouldn't have dared to openly declare his withdrawal from the Demon Hall."
Then, he leisurely flipped through the ledger Yu Un-ryong had handed him.
"Perhaps he even thinks he can now stand toe-to-toe with the Demonic Heavenly Emperor."
"Don't say that so lightly."
Yu Un-ryong shook his head with a darkened expression.
"For the Palace Lord, who had always been holed up in the Extinction Palace, to suddenly act like this... There must be a formidable force backing him."
Then, in a low voice, he added,
"It's likely the work of Heavenly Mechanism Star—the same one who manipulated Sindo Un-hwi."
According to Seo-ryeong, who had been raised as a puppet in an orphanage by Heavenly Mechanism Star since childhood,
Chu-so's goal was the destruction of the martial world.
But now, thanks to Jong Baek, Heavenly Mechanism Star's true objective had been revealed.
The Chain of Reincarnation.
He had joined hands with one of the Three Attendants—a being called Pa-myeong—to create that transcendent power.
"If it's Heavenly Mechanism Star's doing, he wouldn't just elevate the Palace Lord's martial arts—he could make him withdraw from the Demon Hall and shatter the Demonic Path itself."
"No. Even Heavenly Mechanism Star wouldn't be able to manipulate the Extinction Palace—one of the Demonic Path Ten Gates—so freely."
But what if Heavenly Mechanism Star had used Pa-myeong's power to seize control of the Extinction Palace?
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor, who treated the martial world as a chessboard and all its factions as pieces in his grand game, wouldn't just sit back and watch.
Even if the Three Attendants possessed transcendent power, he would have defiantly restored the Extinction Palace to its original state.
After a long moment of contemplation, Bu Eun-seol stroked his chin.
"Perhaps... the Palace Lord has been replaced."
"Replaced? Ah."
Yu Un-ryong nodded in realization.
It was said that the White Sword Sect's Secret Vault contained not only the secret weapons of past martial generations but also those of the current era's superlative martial experts.
And much of what had been stored in that armory was now missing...
Meaning there was a significant chance that the Extinction Palace Lord, too, had been replaced by one of the Servants of the True Demon.
"Honestly, it doesn't matter who's behind this."
Bu Eun-seol spoke decisively.
"Because I will behead every last one of those who set this in motion."
Then, he pulled out a letter from his sleeve.
"Proceed as planned for now."
As Yu Un-ryong read the letter, his eyes gleamed.
"It'll take at least three days for contact to reach him."
"I will be in seclusion for those three days."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"And order all Unit Members to complete the new Mind's Eye Mirror to at least the Eighth-Star Attainment by then."
Thanks to Han Sang-ja, the missing scripture of the Mind's Eye Mirror had been flawlessly restored.
Because of this, even Neither-Human-Nor-Beast—a master of Phases—had been deceived.
And previously, even though the Martial Soul Society's Four Great Unit Leaders hadn't fully mastered it, they had combined their strength to partially break through the Absolute Boundary.
In other words, it had been proven that the Mind's Eye Mirror could indeed stand against the martial world's strongest and the Abyss's legions.
"But even if every last combatant of the Death Shadow War Unit could perfectly deploy the Mind's Eye Mirror, they still wouldn't be able to oppose the Extinction Palace."
The Death Shadow War Unit's warriors were, at most three hundred.
Moreover, the refined Mind's Eye Mirror specialized in defense rather than offense, constructing a Mindscape—
Meaning it couldn't annihilate a massive force like the Extinction Palace in one fell swoop.
"I told them to complete the new Mind's Eye Mirror to at least the Eighth-Star Attainment. Not to fight the Extinction Palace."
"Don't tell me—"
As Yu Un-ryong mulled over Bu Eun-seol's words, he suddenly flipped through the ledger again, his eyes flashing with realization.
"So that's what it was..."
Only then did he grasp what Bu Eun-seol's plan was—and what the Extinction Palace was truly aiming for.
"In the end, their goal wasn't to withdraw from the Demon Hall or to bring you down."
Yu Un-ryong had realized it.
The Extinction Palace's declaration of withdrawal—
Behind it lay a terrifying scheme beyond anything they had anticipated.
"Exactly."
Bu Eun-seol replied with a composed expression.
"Proceed as planned."
Three days later.
Emerging from seclusion, Bu Eun-seol headed for the Extinction Palace—with every last warrior of the Death Shadow War Unit in tow.
"Even if we must wage all-out war in the future."
"At the very least, we should meet face-to-face once to clearly confirm each other's intentions."
Screech—
The Death Shadow War Unit's massive force crossed into the Extinction Palace's territory, yet no one stood in their way.
Upon arriving at the Extinction Palace's gates, the doors were already flung wide open—as if they had been waiting.
"Welcome."
Disciples from the Guest Reception Hall, tasked with hosting external dignitaries, politely guided Bu Eun-seol and the Death Shadow War Unit warriors inside.
"Please have your subordinates wait here. Only the Lord and one trusted aide may follow me."
The Extinction Palace instructed the Death Shadow War Unit's forces to remain on standby,
while only Bu Eun-seol and his strategist, Yu Un-ryong, were ushered further in.
After walking for some time, Yu Un-ryong's expression darkened.
The disciples had not led them to the lavish reception hall reserved for honored guests and dignitaries,
but to a small, isolated pavilion standing alone in a vast, open clearing.
From the worn-out tables and chairs scattered around,
it seemed more like a place for ordinary visitors or the families of disciples.
—They're making their stance clear before even speaking.
Both Bu Eun-seol and Yu Un-ryong narrowed their eyes simultaneously.
Setting aside personal feelings, considering Bu Eun-seol's position as the Martial Soul Lord?
At the very least, a Hall Master-rank figure should have greeted them, and they should have been escorted to the proper reception hall.
But this blatant disrespect made one thing certain:
No matter what words were exchanged face-to-face, a favorable outcome was impossible.
"If you wait a moment, the Palace Master will arrive shortly."
Once the disciples withdrew, Bu Eun-seol and Yu Un-ryong took seats at the weathered table.
The disciples then brought tea—merely as a formality.
Yu Un-ryong stared at the cup, which had gone completely cold.
The tea leaves were far too old, emitting not a rich aroma but a sour, rancid stench.
"Ah, what a rare and precious brew this is."
Yu Un-ryong lifted the cup, pretending to savor its scent before letting out a mocking sigh.
"To think it still retains warmth—it reminds me of the wine Cao Cao served before Guan Yu beheaded Hua Xiong."
The tea was so stale and over-steeped that its bitterness was revolting,
yet he sarcastically likened it to warmed wine.
A disciple from the Guest Reception Hall flushed red and stammered,
"Sh-shall we bring you another cup?"
"No, this is fine."
Yu Un-ryong waved a hand dismissively, took another sip, and smirked.
"This must be the Extinction Palace's finest, reserved only for honored guests. I should savor it slowly, no?"
Then he winked.
The disciple, unable to respond, bowed his head and retreated inside.
"I see."
Bu Eun-seol nodded, understanding why Yu Un-ryong had mocked the low-ranking disciple.
"This wasn't the Extinction Palace's unified decision."
If this had truly been orchestrated by the Palace Master himself—
If he genuinely despised Bu Eun-seol for undermining the Demonic Path Ten Gates and had resolved to secede from the Demon Hall—
Then even the lowest disciples would harbor hostility toward Bu Eun-seol.
They wouldn't have been ashamed to serve cold, spoiled tea.
But when Yu Un-ryong called it the "Extinction Palace's finest," they reacted with visible shame, offering to replace it.
This meant the Extinction Palace's sudden decision was something even the rank-and-file couldn't comprehend—
And likely hinted at external interference.
"So the Demonic Heavenly Emperor may be behind this."
Perhaps due to the formal setting—
Yu Un-ryong spoke to Bu Eun-seol with deliberate politeness.
"You already anticipated everything."
If the Palace Master had truly acted out of treachery,
then the Extinction Palace would have become an enemy of the Demon Hall—
An irreversible situation that would have brought the Demonic Heavenly Emperor to behead them immediately.
But declaring secession under the pretense of grievances against Bu Eun-seol...
Ultimately, their true target was him.
And knowing this—
Someone may have been watching the higher-ups order Bu Eun-seol to resolve this matter.
"Surprisingly, this might end easily."
Yu Un-ryong grinned.
"If external forces are behind this, we just need to crush them and deal with their collaborators."
"Troublesome."
Then Bu Eun-seol's gaze sharpened as he looked toward the path leading to the Guest Reception Hall.
"That man is here."
Thud. Thud.
Heavy footsteps echoed as someone strode into the reception area.
It should have been the Extinction Palace Master, Sindo Jang-cheong—
But instead, a young man clad in black robes slowly entered.
If the very concept of a blade's sharpness and lethality were forged into human form,
it would undoubtedly take his shape.
His cold, piercing eyes, slitted like a razor's edge, radiated an aura that seemed to cut through all who met his gaze.
His high-bridged nose and sharply defined jawline formed a silhouette so precise it could have been drawn with a ruler.
The energy radiating from his entire being was so keen it felt as though a mere brush could cleave steel.
'Heavenly Slaughter Star.'
Bu Eun-seol recognized him instantly and murmured under his breath.
He was the one they had encountered during the "Wooden Buddha Conflict"—
The strongest among the One Hundred and Eight Stars—
The Heavenly Slaughter Star.