Chapter 1025
Heavenly Mechanism Star had prepared for every contingency—even the one-in-a-million chance that Bu Eun-seol would break through all his traps and grow powerful enough to defeat both the Heavenly Slaughter Star and the Extinction Palace Lord.
'To think he's been granted yet another Great Art...'
As Bu Eun-seol observed Sindo Jang-cheong radiating that terrifying energy, his expression twisted not with fear or awe, but with an indescribable anguish. A deep sigh escaped him.
"Was it worth it?"
In the end, Sindo Jang-cheong was no different from Sindo Un-hwi, the Young Palace Lord who had met death at Bu Eun-seol's hand in the past. He, too, had been bestowed a Great Art—one that incinerated his lifespan to amplify his martial prowess.
"Was it truly necessary to sacrifice your very life just to become their puppet?"
Perhaps out of pity, Bu Eun-seol's voice grew thin.
Jong Baek had been the same.
He had already been formidable, a once-in-a-generation prodigy capable of growing even stronger.
So why make such a foolish choice? It was beyond comprehension.
"......."
How strange.
Sindo Jang-cheong had intended to erase Bu Eun-seol's existence without another word.
Yet instead of cowering before his transcendent might, the man was looking at him with eyes full of pity?
"You think I did this just to claim the Palace Lord's seat? Or to kill the likes of you?!"
Something surged violently in Sindo Jang-cheong's chest as he roared.
"All I ever wanted was to compete with the strongest in the world!"
But then—something was off.
As his agitation grew, the divine authority radiating from his body began to fade, bit by bit.
As though a god were falling, becoming human once more.
Yet Sindo Jang-cheong, unaware of his own excessive fury, bellowed:
"To stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them and see the view they behold!"
The Twin Heavenly Emperors of Righteous and Demonic. The Three Demons and Three Venerables.
Though the Martial World teemed with countless experts, only these few stood at its absolute peak.
And only they possessed the power and martial might to oppose the forces lurking in the Abyss.
As for the rest of the martial artists...
They were nothing more than supporting characters, existing only to make those legends shine brighter.
—The elder brother guards the mountain, while the younger guards the courtyard.
In his prime, Sindo Jang-cheong had once sought to block the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's path and challenge him.
But he couldn't even halt the man's first step—and was forced to endure those humiliating words.
The elder brother was a tiger guarding the mountain.
He? A mere dog guarding the yard.
—Just once, I wanted to hold the world beneath my feet and command it.
—Just for a single moment, I wanted to feel the majesty of an absolute being.
—Like the Demonic Heavenly Emperor... I wanted to become someone no one would dare touch.
From that day on, Sindo Jang-cheong had yearned—desperately—to stand alongside the strongest in the world.
Even if only for a single day.
"And for that, you would trade the rest of your life?"
At Bu Eun-seol's sorrowful question, Sindo Jang-cheong howled in response:
"What does a measly life matter when I can finally grasp the dream I've chased my entire existence?!"
His cry carried the grief of a martial artist who had lived his whole life in obscurity.
"Such is the way of the Martial World!"
Martial artists would rather live a single day shining like a meteor than endure a long, nameless life.
Even if their lives were short, they sought to etch their names into legend—so they might be remembered for eternity.
"Death is an inescapable fate! How one dies matters more than how one lives!"
Whoosh—
A dazzling radiance bloomed from Sindo Jang-cheong's palms before soaring into the sky.
KWA—AAAAH!
The force was so overwhelming that it pierced straight through the ancient Formation Study created by Chu-so, melting the hall's roof and revealing the clear heavens above.
KWA—OOONG!
One by one, the light began embroidering the vast azure sky with the silhouettes of palms.
Crack-crack-crack!
The overlapping palm shadows soon transformed into the shapes of blindingly white dragons.
Their silver scales glittered brilliantly under the sun, and their massive bodies blanketed the sky like clouds.
One became two, two became a hundred—
And before long, hundreds of white dragons filled the firmament, forming a majestic army.
—KURURU!
Their roars swallowed all sound between heaven and earth, and the sacred energy they exhaled seemed to purify the very air.
The world itself resembled a vast canvas embroidered entirely with dragons of purest white.
"DIE!"
Sindo Jang-cheong, now floating midair, unleashed the entire draconic host upon Bu Eun-seol.
Like a meteor shower, the descending dragons became lances of light, each carrying immense destructive force as they tore through the atmosphere—
KWA—UUUUNG!
A torrent of white, as though the heavens themselves were collapsing, engulfed Bu Eun-seol.
Any martial artist witnessing this miraculous spectacle would have frozen in place, unable to even resist.
'It's not complete Manifestation Art Energy...'
A flash of insight exploded in Bu Eun-seol's eyes as he beheld the light.
Until now, he had only experienced the power of Manifestation Art Energy through Yuk Jang-cheon and the man from the Baekri Clan.
Moreover, he had also experienced the power of Soul-Demon Magic Energy through battles with the Servants of the True Demon.
'A corrupted version of Soul-Demon Magic Energy.'
Chu-so had toyed with Sindo Jang-cheong.
This wasn't true Manifestation Art Energy—it was a hybrid force, much like the Saint created by the True Demon... a mingling of the two powers.
'They conducted experiments to mimic the True Demon.'
Srrring—
As the cascade of white dragons descended, Bu Eun-seol drew Ink Soul Sword.
Then, with all his might, he slashed upward toward the sky.
Fwaa—!
Hundreds of luminous streaks erupted outward.
He had channeled the Harmonization within his body into his blade, unleashing it in the form of the Heaven-Shattering Form.
Kwa-ooooooh—!
When hundreds of dragons collided with hundreds of light beams in midair, the world turned blindingly white. At the epicenter, a mysterious radiance swirled in a circular vortex.
Flash—!
In an instant, the white dragons vanished, and a single streak of light shot straight toward Sindo Jang-cheong's face.
'Ah...'
Sindo Jang-cheong inwardly gasped.
A power unprecedented in the history of martial arts.
Not an existing martial technique.
Something entirely new—a force capable of erasing even the might of the established masters.
The single beam of light Bu Eun-seol unleashed...
It was the very embodiment of the ambition he had dreamed of all this time.
'What a pity.'
Sindo Jang-cheong sensed his defeat.
—With this power, you will surely kill him.
The Heavenly Mechanism Star had performed a profound Great Art, granting him the power of the Baekri Clan at the cost of his life force.
He had sworn that even the Demonic Heavenly Emperor would stand no chance against this power.
But there was one thing even the Heavenly Mechanism Star had failed to foresee.
While Manifestation Art Energy could not be countered by martial arts or supernatural abilities...
Bu Eun-seol's True Void and Harmonization could instantly nullify impure Manifestation Art Energy or Soul-Demon Magic Energy.
Fssht—!
Before he realized it, the dazzling radiance had pierced through Sindo Jang-cheong's throat and passed clean through.
"How...?"
As Sindo Jang-cheong asked with hollow eyes, Bu Eun-seol replied calmly,
"It seems only those who transcend joy and sorrow can wield that power."
It was a kind lie.
There was no need to reveal the truth—that the final moments of a martial artist who sought only to stand at the pinnacle...
Had been nothing more than a farce orchestrated by Chu-so.
"The moment you revealed your emotions, cracks formed in that transcendent power. It became something I could destroy."
True Manifestation Art Energy?
That had been a lie from the start.
When Sindo Jang-cheong first unleashed his power, it felt like an unstoppable, superhuman force.
But the instant he gave in to rage...
The nature of that power changed.
Just like the Soul-Demon Magic Energy and Manifestation Art Energy that had shattered before Bu Eun-seol's Harmonization.
"Someone who transcends joy and sorrow..."
At those words, realization dawned on Sindo Jang-cheong's face, twisting into bitter resignation.
Simultaneously, countless memories and regrets flashed through his mind.
The greatest among them was his remorse toward his elder brother, Sindo Jang-cheon, the former palace lord.
He had always been criticized by his subordinates as cowardly and narrow-minded.
He groveled before the strong without hesitation.
And he committed any atrocity if it meant expanding the Extinction Palace's influence.
Sindo Jang-cheong had always viewed his actions and decisions as those of a petty man...
But in hindsight, every single one had been for the sake of the Extinction Palace.
'Forgive me... Brother.'
And with that, his final thought in this world faded.
Thud. Splatter—
As Sindo Jang-cheong collapsed, his body disintegrated into fine dust, scattering in all directions.
He had housed Manifestation Art Energy within his flesh by sacrificing his life force.
But once that vitality was severed, the immense power within instead became the force that annihilated his body.
"Now then."
Bu Eun-seol, who had been gazing at the shattered Battle Formation on the ceiling, turned and approached the fallen Eung-bi.
"Enough with the theatrics."
"......"
Twitch.
At those words, Eung-bi's supposedly lifeless body began to stir slightly.
Sluuurp—
Like liquid solidifying, it slowly rose, reconstructing its form.
Crack.
Eung-bi, his neck twisted at an unnatural angle, stared at Bu Eun-seol in astonishment.
"How did you know?"
Despite having his throat pierced, Eung-bi was perfectly alive.
'Because even if artificial... they are the Heaven-Slaying Star and the Heavenly Mechanism Star.'
Bu Eun-seol had already discerned Eung-bi's true identity as the Heaven-Slaying Star, with the Heavenly Mechanism Star pulling the strings.
Knowing the Heavenly Mechanism Star, he would have layered contingency upon contingency for any scenario.
Especially for a valuable piece like the Heaven-Slaying Star—he wouldn't carelessly lose it over something trivial. Bu Eun-seol had anticipated every precaution.
'And I've dealt with fake bodies before.'
The reason he sensed Eung-bi hadn't died despite beheading him?
Because he recognized it—the same Fake Body technique used by Neither-Human-Nor-Beast in the past.
'The feeling when cutting is different.'
So far, Bu Eun-seol had encountered three individuals who used Fake Bodies.
The boy from the Ghost Mask Sect on Yeongpa Island.
Neither-Human-Nor-Beast.
And Myeong-myeol, who succeeded the Blood God Heaven Lord.
He had cut them down again and again with Ink Soul Sword.
That was why, the moment his blade severed Eung-bi's neck, the sensation transmitted through his fingertips alone told him—this was a Fake Body.
"There are ways to know everything."
But there was no need to share such details. Without hesitation, Bu Eun-seol shifted the subject.
"Perhaps the final contingency Heavenly Mechanism Star devised... was to take hostages if all else failed?"
Bu Eun-seol pointed toward Yu Un-ryong, still trapped within the Mind's Eye Mirror.
"That's why he deliberately designed a battle formation capable of accommodating not just me, but one of my closest subordinates as well."
From Chu-so's perspective, if even this meticulously laid trap failed to kill Bu Eun-seol, what would be the next best option?
Taking hostages to coerce him, of course.
The Martial Soul Lord—his reputation for cherishing his subordinates as if they were his own flesh was widely known among intelligence networks.
That was precisely why he had ensured Bu Eun-seol wouldn't enter alone, but with his most trusted aide in tow.
Clang! Clang!
Amidst the chaos, the sound of clashing weapons echoed incessantly through the gaps in the collapsing formation.
The Mind's Eye Mirror, created by the warriors of the Death Shadow War Unit, had shattered completely. It seemed they were now locked in direct combat with the forces of the Extinction Palace.
"One hostage isn't enough to feel secure."
Eung-bi glanced toward the clamor outside, his voice dripping with cold amusement.
"How long do you think your subordinates can hold out against the Extinction Palace's forces?"
"Hard to say."
"How composed of you."
After all, this was the Extinction Palace's territory—already under their control.
Even if they failed to capture Yu Un-ryong, seizing the warriors of the Death Shadow War Unit would still mean victory.
"Heavenly Mechanism Star isn't as impressive as I thought."
"What did you say?"
"Did he truly believe he could manipulate the fate of the world in the palm of his hand?"
The moment Bu Eun-seol finished speaking—
Rumble.
The Extinction Palace forces, who had been relentlessly breaking through the Death Shadow War Unit's defenses, suddenly froze.
From behind them emerged a bloodied figure in tattered robes, accompanied by a scholarly-looking warrior.
None other than the Extinction Palace's master, Sindo Jang-cheong.
And beside him—wasn't that Yu Un-ryong?
"That man...?"
Eung-bi's eyes widened.
Then who the hell was the Yu Un-ryong still trapped inside the Mindscape?
Gurgle. Groan.
At that moment, the shattered formations began reconstructing themselves.
Someone was restoring them—dozens of overlapping ancient formations that only Chu-so had ever been able to manipulate.
"How did you know Sindo Jang-cheon wasn't dead?"
Sindo Jang-cheong had never killed his brother.
Though Chu-so had repeatedly urged him to eliminate the master of the Extinction Palace, he had refused outright—threatening to withdraw from the plan entirely if his brother was killed.
"Eung-bi. You won't escape."
Bu Eun-seol's lips curled faintly.
"Though if you confess everything you know, I might let you live."
"This isn't something you could've deduced just by being clever..."
Eung-bi's eyes narrowed to slits.
"It wasn't your wisdom at all."
Only now did he realize—not only had every single stratagem been seen through, but Bu Eun-seol had a strategist at his side.
One capable of reading the heavens and predicting the future, rivaling even Chu-so himself.
"Fine. I concede defeat this time."
Eung-bi glared at Bu Eun-seol with icy disdain.
"But there won't be a next opportunity like this."
Fzzzt—BOOM.
In an instant, Eung-bi dissolved into a swirl of black light—vanishing without a trace. Not martial arts, but some form of spellcraft, leaving behind not even a ripple of presence.
"Should we really let him go like that?"
As Bu Eun-seol muttered under his breath, staring at the empty space where Eung-bi had stood—
Rustle.
Yu Un-ryong, who had been concealed within the Mind's Eye Mirror, stepped forward.
Click.
But his form flickered—shifting into a wounded young man in scholar's robes.
Han Sang-ja, the sole survivor of the Sage Forest.
All this time, he had been disguised as Yu Un-ryong.
That was why even Sindo Jang-cheong, whose martial prowess rivaled the Extinction Palace's master, had been unable to break through—
Because Han Sang-ja alone was capable of manifesting a Mind's Eye Mirror of such refined mastery.
Moreover, the moment he received Bu Eun-seol's summons, he had immediately helped him and planned the Extinction Palace affair, precisely because Heavenly Mechanism Star was involved.
"Of course. That was the plan from the beginning."
Han Sang-ja's eyes gleamed as he watched the direction Eung-bi had fled.
"If we want to capture Heavenly Mechanism Star, we absolutely cannot kill him."
"Since he's using a Fake Body, no amount of torture would work anyway."
"That's true, but—"
Han Sang-ja smiled knowingly.
"It's because through him, we can trace Heavenly Mechanism Star's movements."
From his sleeve, he produced a single black orb—
The Demon Eye Pearl, an ancient artifact once extracted from In Bi-in's remains.
A medium that linked consciousness to Fake Bodies, supplying the energy needed to execute commands.
If embedded into a Fake Body, it allowed for precise control—like a brain manipulating a nervous system.
"After extensive research, I've confirmed that Demon Eye Pearls resonate with one another."
Han Sang-ja spoke calmly.
"We can track Eung-bi—and through him, locate either Heavenly Mechanism Star himself or one of his hidden strongholds."
From the very beginning, Bu Eun-seol had sensed it—
That Heavenly Mechanism Star was the true mastermind behind the Extinction Palace incident.
—Then I must call for Han Sang-ja.
He was the only one capable of opposing Heavenly Mechanism Star.
And more importantly, he was desperate to uncover the strategist's hideouts.
That was why, before entering seclusion, Bu Eun-seol had arranged for Yu Un-ryong to contact Han Sang-ja in advance.
"It would take at least three days to reach him."
That was what Yu Un-ryong had said when he received the letter.
And just as Bu Eun-seol was about to conclude his seclusion, Han Sang-ja arrived at the Hidden Demon Pavilion, where they proceeded to discuss the matter in secret.
After meticulously analyzing the situation and intelligence regarding the Extinction Palace, Han Sang-ja began predicting the schemes Heavenly Mechanism Star might employ.
"Since he remains unaware of my existence, this time we may achieve a great victory."
Heavenly Secret Star Chu-so still did not know of Han Sang-ja's existence.
No matter how brilliant Bu Eun-seol's strategies were, even if he had an exceptional tactician by his side—
Heavenly Mechanism Star would be absolutely confident that none could read the heavens' designs.
"To kill the Lord, he will likely send the most formidable among his subordinates."
At those words, Bu Eun-seol recalled the Heavenly Slaughter Star he had encountered on the island where Wooden Buddha had once hidden.
If he assumed that man was Heavenly Mechanism Star's subordinate—then there would be none stronger.
"Moreover, if it's Heavenly Mechanism Star we're dealing with..."
"...he would never risk sending his last remaining piece—his most capable subordinate—into danger."
Han Sang-ja predicted that Heavenly Mechanism Star was highly likely to employ the same fake bodies Neither-Human-Nor-Beast had once used.
"No—perhaps those very fake bodies themselves are abominations Heavenly Mechanism Star created."
Heavenly Secret Star Chu-so had been recklessly restoring and wielding forbidden Great Arts and ancient secret techniques to fulfill his desires.
It was entirely possible that the technique to create fake bodies was also his own invention.
"He likely used those fake bodies to establish favorable or cooperative relations with numerous factions."
It was a perfectly reasonable assumption.
Just because Heavenly Mechanism Star was cunning didn't mean other factions had any reason to ally with him.
Rather, by providing them with such bodies, it was far more plausible that he maintained symbiotic relationships.
"Then what should we do?"
"We simply turn it against him."
Han Sang-ja had prepared a plan—
Even if they couldn't completely track Heavenly Mechanism Star's movements this time, they could at least seize his tail.
After all, Heavenly Slaughter Star would undoubtedly be guarding him with unwavering vigilance.
Finishing his recollection, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"This incident has revealed that Heavenly Mechanism Star is not only connected to the Three Attendants but also maintains cooperative ties with their subordinate Servants of the True Demon."
In the past, using intelligence provided by Seo-ryeong,
Bu Eun-seol—under the alias Seol-so—had destroyed an orphanage Heavenly Mechanism Star used to groom puppets.
He had expected Heavenly Mechanism Star to come for him without fail, yet surprisingly, it was Neither-Human-Nor-Beast—a Servant of the True Demon—who had ambushed Seol-so.
At the time, due to the clash with the Black Divine Heavenly Lord, he had dismissed it as coincidence—
But now, despite Heavenly Mechanism Star's deep involvement,
The fact that his subordinate schemed to kill Bu Eun-seol and replace him with another identity, just as the Servants of the True Demon would...
Proved beyond doubt that Heavenly Mechanism Star was closely allied with them.
"After this, Heavenly Mechanism Star will be wary of me—extremely so."
"Correct."
Han Sang-ja's eyes gleamed as he spoke.
"He now knows the Lord can see through his schemes—that there exists a strategist capable of dismantling the battle formations he creates."
Then, a knowing smile curved his lips.
"For someone like Heavenly Mechanism Star, wariness demands immense mental power. And since he still doesn't know my identity, his fixation will undoubtedly remain on the Lord."
"So I am to be the bait, then."
"It's not so simple."
Han Sang-ja spoke firmly.
"Heavenly Mechanism Star attempted to sever the Lord's lifeline in this incident. That means he has long regarded the Lord as an enemy—someone he can never coexist with."
He continued, explaining,
"But now that he knows the Lord surpasses his expectations... he will no longer act rashly or dare to strike so carelessly."
Heavenly Mechanism Star was a man of utmost caution.
After today's failure, he would agonize over every move before daring to touch Bu Eun-seol again.
"And in doing so, he will inevitably create openings."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
Heavenly Mechanism Star carried himself as though he orchestrated all under heaven.
But if there existed someone who could predict his actions and dismantle his schemes—?
He would no longer act recklessly. Instead, he would obsessively monitor Bu Eun-seol's every move.
And in doing so, his intelligence networks might be exposed—or his tail finally caught.
Han Sang-ja was counting on precisely that to seize it.
"I've incurred another debt to you."
"Not at all. Accounts must be settled clearly."
Han Sang-ja smirked.
"Didn't the Lord first provide me with intelligence on Heavenly Mechanism Star? Moreover, by aiding the Lord, I've gained clues to tracking him down. We owe each other nothing."
Murmur, murmur.
Meanwhile, Sindo Jang-cheon's imposing presence gradually restored order to the surroundings.
Observing this, Han Sang-ja bowed slightly.
"Then I shall take my leave first. Stay well until we meet again."
"You as well, Brother Han."
Fwip.
In an instant, Han Sang-ja vanished like mist.
His martial prowess, not just his wisdom, seemed to have advanced by leaps and bounds.
'Perhaps his burning vengeance has been for the best.'
Han Sang-ja's martial might and intellect grew with each passing day—now reaching heights where he could stand against Heavenly Mechanism Star himself.
Had he not been driven by vengeance?
Had his ambitions been martial world domination or personal glory?
Then the martial world would have witnessed the rise of yet another terrifying Shadow Force.
"Martial Soul Lord."
Just then, the true master of the Extinction Palace, Sindo Jang-cheon, who had been following Yu Un-ryong, approached with a deep sigh.
"You have saved this palace."
His sigh carried profound regret.
Originally, he had despised Bu Eun-seol.
For weakening the influence of the Demonic Path Ten Gates, including the Extinction Palace.
For making his once-proud son, Sindo Un-hwi, realize he was nothing more than an ordinary talent.
All of it was Bu Eun-seol's doing.
Moreover, he was a ruthless father.
He had silently allowed Sindo Un-hwi to undergo body modification at the cost of his remaining life.
And even when his son finally breathed his last, he did not mourn—only focused on grooming the next successor.
Yet, Bu Eun-seol had shown the Extinction Palace mercy.
He had uncovered the palace's internal turmoil—where its master had been replaced without anyone knowing.
He had devised an ingenious plan to thwart Heavenly Mechanism Star's schemes.
He had summoned Han Sang-ja to counter Heavenly Mechanism Star's traps and the Celestial Slaughter Star in Yu Un-ryong's stead.
Meanwhile, he had sent the Death Shadow War Unit's experts, including Yu Un-ryong, to infiltrate the palace and locate where Sindo Jang-cheon was imprisoned.
And he had persuaded the loyalists to crush the forces of the traitor, Sindo Jang-cheong.
"I did not save you. I merely did what needed to be done."
Bu Eun-seol spoke impassively.
"It was not for the sake of the Extinction Palace, either."
It was an utterly honest statement.
In that moment, Sindo Jang-cheon realized—
—The rumors about the Martial Soul Lord spreading through the martial world are completely wrong.
He could sense it instinctively.
Bu Eun-seol was neither of the Demonic Path nor the Orthodox Path.
"I see."
The information about the Martial Soul Lord had been entirely misrepresented in the martial world.
And he, too, had misunderstood.
Bu Eun-seol had not weakened the Demonic Path Ten Gates.
Rather, the Demonic Path Ten Gates had provoked him and paid the price.
He was neither demonic nor righteous—he simply punished those who crossed him.
"Hahaha."
Sindo Jang-cheon laughed without restraint.
"Had I known the Lord's true nature sooner, I wouldn't have sharpened my fangs so needlessly."
There was a strange sentiment in his words.
Bu Eun-seol, wearing a faint smile, surveyed the now-restored Extinction Palace.
Most of the disciples had been unaware their master was an imposter.
They had only vaguely sensed that outsiders had seized control and manipulated the palace's inner circle.
Thus, when the real Sindo Jang-cheon revealed himself, they immediately ceased their attacks and obeyed his orders.
"Do you intend to strike the Fire Rain Sword Sect?"
Sindo Jang-cheon asked in a rough voice.
He, too, knew that the Fire Rain Sword Sect had sent the severed heads of two faction leaders to Bu Eun-seol.
"Not strike—but restore to its rightful state."
"I see."
Sindo Jang-cheon's expression grew oddly serene.
"Now the martial world will plunge into destruction and chaos."
"I thought the same at first. That if I remained still, everything would stabilize..."
Bu Eun-seol gazed at the distant sky.
"But that was merely false peace."
Until now, he had avoided involving himself in the martial world's affairs as much as possible.
Because his actions could lead to countless lives being lost.
For that very reason, he had held back from attacking the Fire Rain Sword Sect time and again.
He knew what would happen if he provoked the foremost sect of the Demonic Path.
But the incidents with the Extinction Palace and the Fire Rain Sword Sect had changed things.
If he did not act, everything would spiral into ruin.
Countless factions would unleash their ambitions and desires without restraint.
"False peace, you say..."
Sindo Jang-cheon nodded slowly.
"This palace will not support you. Nor can I agree with your words."
Then he added—
"But I will not oppose you, either."
His voice was low.
"That is the greatest courtesy this palace master can offer."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
That alone made resolving the Extinction Palace's troubles worthwhile.
Now, he had to march straight to the Fire Rain Sword Sect.
In the martial world, if one was not an enemy, they could always become an ally.
"Then."
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands in salute.
Without hesitation, he turned and led the warriors of the Death Shadow War Unit away.
"Palace Master, you are mistaken."
At that moment, the deputy palace master, Sa Gyeong-cheon, spoke quietly.
"The matter with the traitor Sindo Jang-cheong would have been resolved even without the Martial Soul Lord's intervention."
"......"
"He promised to give us that if we eliminated the Death Shadow War Unit warriors."
If he had mobilized the full might of the Extinction Palace and taken action himself—
Even if he couldn't kill the Martial Soul Lord, the warriors of the Death Shadow War Unit would not have escaped alive.
"This was our last chance to strike down the Martial Soul Lord's subordinates."
In truth, Heavenly Mechanism Star's final objective had been the Death Shadow War Unit.
By eliminating Bu Eun-seol's forces, he sought to sever his limbs and shatter his spirit and mind.
"It's fine."
Sindo Jang-cheon's voice was quiet.
"This palace will endure, while he will vanish in time."
He looked up at the distant sky.
Despite countless trials and setbacks, the Extinction Palace had always risen again.
Now, they might crouch in fear before an invincible foe like the Martial Soul Lord—
But in the grand scheme of time, he was merely a fleeting presence in the martial world.
In other words, the Extinction Palace would endure, flowing with the river of martial history.
Thud. Thud.
As Bu Eun-seol walked away, leaving Sindo Jang-cheon behind, a chilling crimson light flickered in his eyes.
'The Extinction Palace's affairs were trivial in the end.'
Preventing their secession was merely a step in the process.
Now, he would march straight—toward his true objective.
To crush the Fire Rain Sword Sect.