Chapter 1061
Daoist Mok exhaled a deep sigh that seemed to rise from the very depths of his lungs.
For generations, the Sacred Realm had maintained the balance of the martial world, ensuring that none ever slipped beyond their control.
But in this era—
Superlative martial experts who defied their governance were emerging one after another, and events were unfolding in ways that made it impossible to predict even an inch ahead.
Just like now.
"Very well."
Daoist Mok conceded.
Bu Eun-seol.
This man was an enigma—an existence that could neither be comprehended nor understood through mere logic.
"Then tell me—who was it that stole the Darkness Secret Arts from you?"
"Our deal, Pavilion Lord, concerned only the Seven Great Demon Ancestors and the Ten Great Immortals."
Bu Eun-seol let out a derisive snort.
"If you want something more, bring a worthy price."
Then, in a low voice, he added:
"Surely the Pavilion Lord has reached a position where he understands the martial world well enough to know that?"
"What did you say?"
"To stand as equals, one must first prove they possess the strength to do so."
Shudder.
Daoist Mok trembled with humiliation.
But every word Bu Eun-seol had spoken was one he himself had uttered first. There was no room for rebuttal.
"Do not assume... that all figures of the Sacred Realm are like this old man."
His voice carried the resignation of one who had given up.
"You cannot remain equals forever with the Sacred Realm, and the day may come when someone who refuses to acknowledge you appears."
"It matters not."
Bu Eun-seol replied indifferently.
"So long as we do not interfere with one another."
In the martial world, there were no eternal enemies or allies.
Had they not already allied with the Demonic Heavenly Emperor—someone they once believed they could never coexist with?
Of course, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor currently held the upper hand, but there was no guarantee that advantage would last forever.
"I hope we may continue to strike favorable deals in the future."
Daoist Mok was the Forest Pavilion Lord of the Martial Alliance, and Bu Eun-seol possessed the Darkness Secret Arts—
Meaning he could infiltrate the Martial Alliance at any time.
Though their interests aligned for now, Daoist Mok was bound to the Martial Alliance...
Effectively, he had been led by the nose by Bu Eun-seol.
Clatter, clatter.
The carriage returning to the Demon Hall carried only Yu Un-ryong.
—I've obtained crucial information.
After leaving the Martial Alliance, Bu Eun-seol had relayed to Yu Un-ryong everything he had discussed with Baek Mu-seong and Daoist Mok.
—The situation there is dire...
Yu Un-ryong stroked his chin.
That meant the Sacred Realm was already aware of Ratna City's circumstances to some extent.
—Understood. Then I'll handle the rest of the preparations.
Under normal circumstances, they would mobilize the Death Soul Squad to assess the situation, gather concrete intelligence, and only then set out.
But in India, they had the Four Stars Trading Company.
—By the time we arrive in India, we'll have perfectly refined intelligence at our disposal.
The tribes once known as the Four Sacred Tribes of India had, with Bu Eun-seol's help, transformed into the Four Stars Trading Company—amassing vast wealth, connections, and an expansive information network.
They remained fiercely loyal to Bu Eun-seol, who had shown them such kindness.
In essence, the Four Stars Trading Company was practically the Indian branch of the Death Shadow War Unit.
Yu Un-ryong intended to analyze the broader situation in India, including Ratna City, while Bu Eun-seol traveled there—
Ensuring that no matter what circumstances arose, Bu Eun-seol could return safely with the intelligence he needed.
—Understood.
Bu Eun-seol offered a faint smile tinged with both gratitude and guilt.
The freedom he had enjoyed to roam the martial world, the intricate schemes he had devised and executed—
All of it had been possible only because of the genius strategist, Yu Un-ryong, supporting him from the sidelines.
—Don't push yourself.
Yu Un-ryong knew.
Bu Eun-seol's desperate pursuit of the Heaven and Earth Divine Artifact wasn't merely to enhance his martial prowess—
It was because it was a way to protect more people.
—Don't try to shoulder everything alone.
Bu Eun-seol nodded silently.
Watching him, Yu Un-ryong let out a deep sigh.
The current state of the martial world was so bizarre—
Every known convention and system was being shattered.
And as a result, Bu Eun-seol was left handling far too much on his own.
—At least the Vice Chief has returned.
So-yo, who had returned from Jangbaek Mountain, had not only improved his Lightness Art but had also grown significantly stronger overall.
Now, no matter how dangerous the mission, he was capable of accompanying Bu Eun-seol.
—What do you mean?
—Take Vice Chief So with you.
—It's fine. This is just a journey to locate the Heaven and Earth Divine Artifact.
Yu Un-ryong insisted firmly.
—Just bring him.
—Why?
When Bu Eun-seol asked, Yu Un-ryong answered decisively:
—Instinct.
Even Bu Eun-seol, renowned for his ruthlessness, had moments of sentimentality—times when he lost his rationality.
In contrast, Yu Un-ryong—
Since becoming a strategist, had never once faltered in that regard.
If even he lost his reason, there would be no one left in the Death Shadow War Unit to remain coldly analytical.
The Great Chiefs all possessed fiery hearts, and even No Trace of the Death Soul Squad and So-yo—who should have been the most rational—would charge recklessly into anything involving Bu Eun-seol.
And yet now—
He was arguing not with logic, but with instinct.
—Understood.
Bu Eun-seol nodded without protest.
Just as he trusted his own instincts, he trusted Yu Un-ryong's.
Without delay, he set off for Ratna City—with So-yo at his side.
"What a grueling task."
Yu Un-ryong, who had been pulling the carriage alone while recalling his conversation with Bu Eun-seol, let out a deep sigh.
Before long, the moment would come when they would stake their forces in a life-or-death battle.
In preparation for that time, the Death Shadow War Unit, the Martial Soul Society, and the Supreme Masters were ceaselessly honing their strength—and they had to continue growing.
And if they managed to reach a certain level of stability?
The Great Lords might each take on their own responsibilities like Bu Eun-seol, or perhaps, like him, they could freely roam the Martial World.
'I'll make sure that day comes quickly.'
Yu Un-ryong, who had been gazing at the distant sky, clenched his fist tightly.
Two figures swept across the land at blinding speed.
They were Bu Eun-seol and So-yo, who had set out from the Central Plains.
Ratna City, ruled by the Moon Wheel Saint King, was the driest and most desolate of the eight cities in India.
What entered their vision as they raced forward was an endless expanse of ashen plains.
And there, earthen huts stood precariously, as if they might collapse at any moment.
Though they had arrived near the city proper,
the dusty roads bore only scattered, hollow-eyed citizens devoid of vitality.
Their shoulders sagged under the weight of life, and the occasional cries of children scattered through the air like crumbling leaves.
"......."
Bu Eun-seol's gaze darkened as he took in the barren landscape.
Truthfully, Ratna City's poverty was nothing new.
Situated in the driest, most barren land of India,
the soil itself was unsuitable for farming, resulting in meager harvests, and the terrain made water too scarce to come by.
And the biggest reason was the prolonged drought.
The heavens themselves seemed to have turned their backs, leaving the land parched.
Even when rain did fall, it was never enough.
Tsk-tsk-tsk!Ssshhh—
As they entered the city proper, the two figures accelerated even further.
Kicking off the ground like a gale, the distant silhouette of a massive palace gradually came into view.
Moon Wheel Palace.
The Moon Wheel Palace, where the Moon Wheel Saint King resided.
As the distance closed, the palace's appearance became clearer.
'Unexpected.'
Despite bearing the title of one of the Eight Overlords of India, the Moon Wheel Saint King's palace was surprisingly far from opulence.
Its faded walls and weathered roof bore the full weight of time,
and like an ascetic who had endured countless trials, the entire palace exuded a quiet, solemn energy.
"Hm."
Bu Eun-seol let out a low sound as he observed the distant Moon Wheel Palace.
Though it lacked extravagance,
the palace possessed a refined elegance, like a piece of art in itself.
Nod.
So-yo, standing beside him, gave a slight nod as well.
"The Moon Wheel Saint King who rules Ratna City must have been an austere person for generations."
Its aged state only deepened its dignity, and its simplicity made its sacredness shine all the brighter.
A palace of such design could never be the dwelling of a greedy soul.
"That's something we can't know. Buildings merely pass down through generations."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
"Moon Wheel Saint King Tariga is the most reclusive and mysterious figure among the Eight Overlords of India."
He added,
"And I don't believe in legends."
The Moon Wheel Saint King was revered as an incarnation of mercy, said to be reborn anew after each life.
At a glance, it sounded similar to the True Demon,
but unlike him, they retained no memories of past lives—only inheriting the Divine Power of the Moon Wheel Saint King.
Nevertheless, the people of Ratna City worshipped each generation's Moon Wheel Saint King as a deity,
believing she wielded mystical powers.
But Bu Eun-seol put no faith in superstition or sorcery, nor did he approve of deifying people.
"From what I've heard, she aids the suffering and helps the sick."
In the past, gathering information on the Eight Overlords of India would have been difficult.
But now, with the Four Sacred Tribes maintaining close ties with the Martial Soul Society,
and thanks to Yu Un-ryong's efforts during their journey to India,
they had obtained not only detailed intelligence on the Eight Overlords but also comprehensive knowledge of the region.
"Even that is uncertain."
One should never blindly trust information gathered through intelligence networks.
It must always be verified with one's own eyes.
"Let's go take a look first."
He headed toward the entrance of Moon Wheel Palace.
But something was strange.
The guards who should have been stationed at the palace gates were nowhere to be seen, and the gates themselves were wide open.
—Ooooh! Waaah!
From inside, a massive uproar erupted repeatedly.
It sounded like the joyous voices of people celebrating a festival—
or perhaps the furious roars of an enraged crowd.
"Something's happening."
So-yo spoke in a low voice.
"Should I go ahead and scout?"
"No, let's go together."
Obtaining the Heaven and Earth Divine Artifact was of utmost importance.
Moreover, the sacred artifact of Moon Wheel Palace wasn't something that could simply be stolen—they needed the cooperation of Moon Wheel Saint King Tariga.
They had to meet her formally and request her assistance.
Murmur, murmur.
As they stepped inside, a wide open space enclosed by the fortress walls came into view, where a large pile of firewood had been stacked.
It seemed they were preparing to light a massive bonfire.
"They must be preparing for some kind of ritual."
But then—
Swish, swish.
With the faint rustling of fabric, four women emerged from the shadows and approached Bu Eun-seol and So-yo.
They were all dressed in worn cloth garments, their faces concealed save for their eyes.
Yet their gazes were clear, and their movements carried both discipline and grace.
"Welcome to our palace," the woman at the forefront spoke in fluent Han speech.
"The Saint King has been expecting you."
Astonishingly, Moon Wheel Saint King had known—
Not only that Bu Eun-seol and So-yo would visit, but even the exact time of their arrival.
'This won't be easy.'
Bu Eun-seol swallowed a quiet sigh.
Whether Moon Wheel Saint King possessed an exceptional intelligence network that predicted their visit or had the power of foresight—
The fact that she wielded such ability was hardly a favorable condition for negotiations.
"I see."
Suppressing his complicated thoughts, Bu Eun-seol calmly extended his hand.
"Lead the way."
When Bu Eun-seol entered the Saint King's quarters, his eyes widened slightly in surprise.
What lay before him was neither a grand nor opulent hall—
But an astonishingly simple and tidy space, cozy like a well-kept study.
Sunlight filtered softly through the windows, bathing the interior in a faint, milky glow.
The walls were unadorned yet immaculate, and in one corner stood a bookshelf neatly lined with volumes.
In the center was a reception table where one could sit and converse face-to-face.
On what appeared to be a work desk, a white porcelain water dropper and a few brushes were placed.
And beside it, from a small incense burner, the clear and refreshing fragrance of white sandalwood rose like a wisp of smoke.
'A relic of the Four Sacred Tribes.'
Bu Eun-seol nodded faintly in satisfaction.
The people of the Four Sacred Tribes, now the Four Stars Trading Company, had once provided expensive white sandalwood free of charge to temples visited by nobility.
Recognizing its superior quality, the aristocrats of India had flocked to purchase the Four Stars Trading Company's sandalwood—
And before long, even Moon Wheel Palace in Ratna City had come to use it.
Creak.
The floor was laid with somewhat worn but well-maintained wooden planks,
And with each step, the faint sound of old wood twisting echoed softly.
'She truly is a person without greed.'
There were no extravagant decorations or expensive furnishings to be found—
Yet the interior carried the deep scent of aged wood, the faint aroma of ink,
And the subtle fragrance of incense, blending together to create an oddly serene atmosphere.
It was as if they had stepped into the tearoom of a secluded mountain temple.
And this space—
Had been meticulously designed to make those who entered feel both cleanliness and comfort,
Allowing them to engage in sincere conversation.
'This should go well.'
Just as Bu Eun-seol and So-yo exchanged glances—
Click.
The door on the opposite side opened, and a figure clad in white slowly revealed herself.
Her face was ageless.
Too young to bear such profound wisdom, yet too old to carry such vibrant vitality—both coexisted in her visage.
Her skin held a subtle luster, like a pearl that had long absorbed moonlight,
And a faint, sun-kissed bronze hue lingered, enhancing the mystical charm unique to women of India.
Her raven-black hair, long and straight without a single ornament, was neatly combed and cascaded naturally past her shoulders—
Each strand flowing like a river under the night sky, deep and lustrous.
The ruler of Ratna City—Moon Wheel Saint King, Tariga.
"......"
Bu Eun-seol forgot even to bow as he stared at her.
Her profound eyes were like stars captured in the night sky—
Clear and brilliant, holding both the wisdom of ages and the innocence of a child.
And above all else... they were identical to So-yo's.
Had her irises been silver like So-yo's, Bu Eun-seol would have mistaken them for sisters.
"Your insight is remarkable."
Moon Wheel Saint King nodded slightly as she regarded Bu Eun-seol.
"Though I suppose it must be, for one so young to have reached such heights."
'Can she also read the heavens' will?'
Her tone and gaze—
Were like those of a sage who had already glimpsed all futures.
"I have been discourteous."
Only then did Bu Eun-seol regain his composure and bow respectfully.
"Bu Eun-seol, disciple of Langya Pavilion of the Central Plains' Demonic Path, pays his respects to the Saint King."
Recognizing the purity of her nature,
He deliberately lowered his status, introducing himself not as the Martial Soul Lord but as a mere disciple of Langya Pavilion.
At this, So-yo also bowed her head respectfully.
"I am So-yo, a humble attendant serving the Lord."
"So-yo."
Hearing the name, the Moon Wheel Saint King nodded slightly.
"I see."
"My apologies for this sudden visit. We have urgent matters to discuss—"
As Bu Eun-seol attempted to continue, the Saint King raised a hand to stop him.
"Forgive me, but this palace is currently preparing for a small ceremony."
She gazed at the towering stacks of firewood piled beyond the window.
"Shall we converse after attending to this matter first? It will not take long."
Bu Eun-seol and So-yo exchanged glances before nodding in unison.
They were already curious.
What exactly was planned for that enormous pyre?
"Very well."
Following the disciples escorting the Saint King, Bu Eun-seol stepped back outside and moved toward the altar erected opposite the mountainous stacks of firewood.
The altar was furnished with chairs offering an unobstructed view of the impending ceremony, along with canopies to shield against the sun.
The Moon Wheel Saint King seated herself primly upon one of the chairs.
Rustle—thud.
Suddenly, dozens of figures emerged from the opposite side, carrying a massive log between them.
Thoom.
They erected the log vertically atop the stacked firewood.
To their shock, a man could be seen bound spread-eagle against the timber.
The purpose of all that firewood became clear.
They intended to burn someone alive.
"L-Lord?"
Just then, the bound man spotted Bu Eun-seol standing in the distance and cried out joyfully.
"Lord! It's me!"
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
The man tied to the log was none other than Yu Cheong-rim.
"What is the meaning of this?"
When Bu Eun-seol questioned one of the disciples securing the log, she answered coldly,
"That thief attempted to steal our sacred artifact. And succeeded in laying hands upon it."
Bu Eun-seol shot a glance at Yu Cheong-rim, who hung his head in silent admission.
"So you mean to execute him?"
The woman replied with solemn calm.
"An outsider has defiled the sacred artifact. Purification by fire is unavoidable."
Bu Eun-seol failed to mask his dismay.
"...That's just execution by burning."
The woman remained impassive.
"If chosen by the artifact, he may yet live."
Yu Cheong-rim had never broken his thieving habits.
This time, he'd trespassed upon Moon Wheel Palace's most treasured relic—an object they held sacred—only to be captured.
The problem was their law: any outsider touching the artifact must undergo purification.
And this particular ritual involved trial by fire.
"I see."
Having grasped the situation, Bu Eun-seol nodded at Yu Cheong-rim.
"Brother Yu."
"Lord!"
As Yu Cheong-rim's eyes welled up with tears, his face taking on the pitiful look of a baby bird, Bu Eun-seol gave an encouraging nod.
"I sincerely hope the artifact chooses you."
"W-what?"
When Bu Eun-seol turned away impassively, Yu Cheong-rim shrieked in panic.
"Uwaaah! Save me!"
His voice boomed across the clearing.
"I'll do anything! Lord! I'll never steal again! Sniffle..."
Halt.
Bu Eun-seol stopped mid-step.
'No one surpasses Brother Yu for reconnaissance.'
He turned back.
Yu Cheong-rim's tearful face lit up with hope.
Cold and taciturn though he was, Bu Eun-seol wasn't one to abandon a comrade.
Surely he meant to plead with the Saint King for mercy.
"Tell me,"
Bu Eun-seol addressed a disciple preparing the ritual,
"May we observe the ceremony from nearby?"
"L-Lord?"
The disciple frowned at the request.
But remembering this was a guest acknowledged by the Saint King herself, she pointed to a corner.
"Remain over there, provided you don't interfere."
"Understood."
Bu Eun-seol and So-yo nodded before moving to the designated spot—where they could see Yu Cheong-rim clearly—and watched with keen interest.
"You're... not saving me?"
As Yu Cheong-rim's face paled, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"Stay strong."
So-yo echoed the sentiment.
"Stay strong."
Diiing.
A massive gong sounded from the distant altar.
Disciples waiting below approached bearing enormous torches.
Around the pyre, they'd scattered fire essence powder—highly combustible when ignited.
The moment those torches touched the wood, Yu Cheong-rim would roast alive.
"Lord? You're joking, right? Right?"
Then the Saint King's clear voice rang out.
"Begin."
A disciple slowly lowered their torch toward the pyre.
Yu Cheong-rim kept his eyes locked on Bu Eun-seol.
Faith.
Despite the words, he held absolute conviction that at the last moment, the burning would be stopped.
Hadn't they survived countless perilous adventures together?
He'd been live bait against the Black-White Witch, a living hidden weapon at the Return-to-One Realm's orphanage.
Surely, considering all that—
Without fail, without exception, without question, he wouldn't be abandoned now—
"GYAAAAAH!"
Yu Cheong-rim screamed.
Whoooosh!
The torch had already fallen, erupting into towering flames.
"HELP!"
And so Yu Cheong-rim began burning alive.