Chapter 1084
Naria staggered forward, her face twisted in agony.
The price she paid for coveting Man-wol's power through the transcendent might of a divine treasure had been cruel.
The authority that had once made all things predictable had scattered like a mirage.
And now, her life—unable to pay the full cost—trickled away like the last grains of sand in an hourglass, teetering on the brink.
Her once-radiant skin had half-melted, and the hollows of her eyes were deeply sunken.
Though her body felt drained, as though she might collapse at any moment, her footsteps did not falter.
Her destination?
The Hidden Whispering Realm, where the King of the Sages, Chu-so, resided at the edge of the world.
"......."
When the hermitage where Chu-so dwelled came into view, she steadied her breath for a moment.
From her robes, she drew a cloth large enough to cover half her face, wrapped it around herself, and straightened her swaying back.
Then, painting a dignified smile on her lips as if nothing had happened, she pushed open the hermitage door.
Creak.
Inside, a neatly dressed young man was reading a book. It was Chu-so.
"Naria."
Upon seeing her, he rose with a bright smile.
"Welcome."
But that smile was utterly artificial—cold.
As if he had already seen straight through her failure.
"My, you're badly hurt."
Chu-so feigned a look of pity, as though only now noticing the half-melted ruin of Naria's face.
"Wounds like those are beyond even the Hundred Remedies."
Naria spoke in a desperate voice.
"Brother. There's still a chance."
"You've already used the Creation Sun and Moon, and your power is gone."
Chu-so's reply was firm.
"What chance could there possibly be?"
"Because Man-wol can never truly wield the Star God's Power."
"What do you mean?"
"I've held that power myself."
Naria's eyes burned with conviction.
"Her body is utterly ordinary. She could never fully contain the Star God's Power."
Chu-so's eyes narrowed slightly.
He knew it well—aside from the Primordial Saintess,
only Saintess Sa Ah had ever been capable of bearing the Star God's Power within a single body.
No one else could ever hope to contain it.
"So?"
"She isn't dead."
Naria spread her arms.
"One-tenth of my power still lingers in me... She must have entered a deathlike trance, performing the Great Arts of Heaven's Gate Opening and Saint Corpse Fusion to slowly absorb the Star God's Power."
"Even so, it's pointless."
Chu-so shrugged.
"There's no way you could find where Man-wol has hidden herself."
"No. I can find her."
Naria's eyes flashed.
"Someone helped her. A bizarre figure wreathed in violet light."
"Violet light."
"If we find that person, we'll find Man-wol."
Naria clasped her hands together.
"There's still time. If I hunt her down and kill her now, the effects of the Creation Sun and Moon can still be preserved."
"What do you want from me?"
"Give me one of the Twelve Guests."
The Twelve Guests.
A force of the highest caliber, painstakingly cultivated by Chu-so after investing vast wealth and time into researching and analyzing the traces of the greatest martial experts who had ever shaped the martial world.
They perfectly replicated the unique skills and strengths of those legends.
Unlike the puppets artificially imbued with Manifestation Art Energy and Soul-Demon Magic Energy, these were on an entirely different level—
so formidable that even the Saint, a fusion of the two great families' powers, could be felled by them.
Considering that the Saint was an existence only the True Demon could create,
one could imagine just how extraordinary the Twelve Guests' martial prowess was.
However, even with Chu-so's abilities, completing them was immensely difficult—so far, only two had been perfected.
Moreover, as they were the final chess pieces for his grand ambition, their existence was kept strictly hidden.
Yet Naria had discerned them—and now demanded one.
"You must have confirmed it through Future Sight."
Chu-so's expression turned icy.
The thought that Naria might have used Future Sight to uncover all his hidden trump cards displeased him greatly.
"That's a misunderstanding. Even with Future Sight, without the complete Star God's Power... I only learned of the Twelve Guests by chance while viewing things related to myself."
Naria met Chu-so's gaze squarely.
"If you think I'm lying, you can kill me right now."
"I believe you."
"Thank you."
"Believing you is one thing. Why should I comply?"
Chu-so's voice was frigid.
"From what I see, the odds of success in this endeavor are vanishingly slim. In other words—it's a gamble."
He called it a gamble to soften the blow, but in truth, it was no different from a reckless bet.
And Chu-so never gambled.
He was the Heavenly Mechanism Star—a man who worshipped only perfectly calculated, meticulous, and thorough stratagems.
"Why do you call it a gamble?"
"You haven't proven your worth yet."
Chu-so never kept useless people by his side.
Much less someone like Naria, who had tried to pry into his secrets—there was no reason to help her.
"Go back."
As Chu-so turned away,
"Among the younger generation... weren't there several people who could ruin your plans, Brother?"
Naria's voice rang out clearly.
"The one who interfered with me this time must surely be one of them."
She could say it with certainty.
The man whose face had been obscured by flames was unmistakably young.
"So?"
"Have you forgotten?"
Naria smiled confidently.
"The Creation Sun and Moon were originally a pair of treasures."
Chu-so crossed his arms, his eyes flashing.
"The Nine Heavens Radiant Cloud?"
The Nine Heavens Radiant Cloud.
A treasure capable of reading memories through the information imprinted in the essence of life—blood—or inheriting the karma accumulated in one's lineage.
In simpler terms, it allowed one to inherit the joys, sorrows, experiences, and even the martial arts and sensations mastered by their ancestors.
For those in the martial world, it was the greatest treasure imaginable.
And Chu-so had been desperately searching for it.
With just that, if he could capture even one descendant of the True Demon—
He believed he could extract the True Demon's knowledge and karma, forging the Chain of Reincarnation.
"The reason you sought to create the Chain of Reincarnation was because you believed it would be possible once you found all the fragments of the Nine Heavens Radiant Cloud, wasn't it?"
Chu-so's gaze turned endlessly cold.
Only now did he realize why Naria, despite having obtained the power of the Creation Sun and Moon and the Star God's Power, had failed in her task.
'She didn't peer into Man-wol's future—she looked into her own.'
The future sight obtained through Seizing Cause and Effect in Advance was limited.
Naria should have naturally observed the future of Man-wol and those closely connected to her.
But foolishly, Naria had focused only on matters concerning herself.
All for the sake of winning his affection.
'Foolish. Utterly foolish.'
Though disappointment flickered within him, Chu-so concealed it and asked gently,
"Very well. Where is the Nine Heavens Radiant Cloud?"
"Brother, you're quite impatient, aren't you?"
Sensing the shift in his emotions, Naria regained some composure.
"Shouldn't payment come first? If I die, you'll never find the Nine Heavens Radiant Cloud."
"Of course I'll help you."
Chu-so approached her with warmth, as if to say, When have I ever been cold to you?
"How could I stand by when your life hangs by a thread?"
It was the demeanor of a ruthless schemer, but Naria, who loved him deeply,
Even saw this as the bearing of a hero who moved with the tides of fate.
"Besides, you can't intervene directly, Brother."
Naria snorted.
"Since I was the one who used the Creation Sun and Moon, only I can kill her."
Even if Chu-so stepped in and killed Man-wol, Naria's life would still be forfeit.
The price of the Creation Sun and Moon had to be repaid by the one who incurred it.
"Right, of course."
Though he knew this perfectly well, Chu-so spoke as if there was no other choice.
"Fine. I'll lend you one of the Twelve Guests."
"Thank you."
Naria replied calmly.
"I'll track down the one who ruined my plans, locate Man-wol, and reclaim the Star God's Power."
"That would be for the best."
"Then tell me now."
Naria's eyes gleamed.
"Who are the people capable of disrupting your plans—those who can scatter the threads of fate?"
No matter how vast the world was,
The number of individuals who could shatter Chu-so's meticulously calculated schemes in an instant was extremely limited.
The man who had concealed his face with flames was undoubtedly one of them.
"There are three."
Chu-so answered honestly.
"Sword King Seon-u Jin, Martial Soul Society Leader Seol-so, and Martial Soul Lord Bu Eun-seol. These three defy the flow of fate."
"That's quite a few."
As Naria's expression flickered with surprise, he continued.
"Each of them has risen to extraordinary heights in martial prowess. They cannot be underestimated."
"Which of them rarely appears in the martial world, keeping a low profile?"
"Sword King Seon-u Jin."
"Sword King Seon-u Jin..."
Naria nodded, murmuring the name under her breath.
She had already decided in her heart who to eliminate first.
Seo Jin-ha was still acting as Bu Eun-seol's shadow.
Though he no longer concealed his movements as fiercely as before.
This was a time for expanding their intelligence network, so he had gone to the Azure Heaven Alliance.
There, he commanded the Peak Realm Members on Bu Eun-seol's behalf, presided over strategic meetings, and ensured the smooth operation of the Peak Realm Division.
He also took on the role of relaying refined intelligence.
—I'll soon withdraw the Peak Realm Division and merge it into the Martial Soul Society.
Though they shared intelligence, the Azure Heaven Alliance belonged to the Righteous Faction.
Conversely, though the Peak Realm Division was stationed within the Azure Heaven Alliance,
It was Bu Eun-seol's personal force.
Originally, Bu Eun-seol had aimed to ensure the Azure Heaven Alliance could operate independently—
But the Peak Realm Division's growth was entirely his own doing.
He had intended to impart only the essential secrets before transferring them to the Martial Soul Society.
Yet unexpectedly, Bukgung Ryeong dissuaded him.
"Isn't it fine as it is? Especially in times like these."
Had this been an era when the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths were sharply divided—
No matter how close his relationship with Bu Eun-seol, for the sake of the sect's orthodoxy—
And for the martial artists of the Azure Heaven Alliance—
He would have excluded the Peak Realm Members without hesitation.
But the current martial world was a veritable crucible of chaos.
The distinction between the Orthodox and Unorthodox had blurred, and all manner of Abyssal Forces were emerging.
Moreover, since the Azure Heaven Alliance was already sharing intelligence with the Death Soul Squad, Bu Eun-seol's primary Information Warfare Unit—
There was no need to remove the Peak Realm Members, who served as a vital bridge between them.
"If it's for my sake, then it's fine."
Truthfully, Seo Jin-ha had suffered considerable physical and facial damage while acting as Bu Eun-seol's shadow.
Thus, Bu Eun-seol no longer wished to keep him as his shadow—
And had even considered quietly erasing the existence of "Seon-u Jin" altogether.
"It's not like I have anything to do even if I return to the Death Shadow War Unit, do I?"
Having lived as a shadow for so long, Seo Jin-ha had little to occupy himself with in the Death Shadow War Unit.
In the past, he might have taken charge of training martial artists, but the warriors of the Death Shadow War Unit now were seasoned veterans—
Each had reached the point of self-discipline and refinement, making group training unnecessary.
"Understood. Then I'll rely on you for the time being."
Yielding to Seo Jin-ha's insistence, Bu Eun-seol allowed him to remain at the Azure Heaven Alliance as "Seon-u Jin," maintaining smooth intelligence-sharing with the Death Soul Squad.
"You've worked hard."
At the Azure Heaven Alliance's Jeoljeonggak (Peak Pavilion)—
As the monthly council meeting concluded, all the Peak Realm Members, including Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do—
Bowed respectfully to Seon-u Jin—no, to Seo Jin-ha.
Ever since their time in the Martial Alliance—
Seo Jin-ha had spent long hours with them in Bu Eun-seol's stead.
Thus, the bond between Seo Jin-ha and the Peak Realm Members—
Was no less profound than their loyalty to Bu Eun-seol, and they regarded him with deep devotion.
"The Great Leader must endure much hardship."
"Don't mention it."
Seo Jin-ha responded with a faint smile.
Having spent more time with the Peak Realm Members than in the Death Shadow War Unit—
He now felt more at ease in Jeoljeonggak than in the Hidden Demon Pavilion.
"Why don't we share a drink, since we have the chance?"
Noticing the fatigue on the members' faces, Seo Jin-ha suggested in a low voice.
"Things have been relatively quiet lately, after all."
The Peak Realm Members could finally catch their breath—largely because Bu Eun-seol had nearly completed the intelligence network he had envisioned.
"The ultimate goal of the Death Soul Squad is an intelligence system that adopts only the strengths of the Beggars' Sect."
Modeled after the Beggars' Sect's network, Bu Eun-seol had co-opted merchants and Black Gangs across the land, turning them into informants—
And sold the intelligence they gathered to the Martial Soul Society's information brokers.
Thanks to rigorous training of their messenger hawks, their numbers had tripled—
With operational funds also increasing, they established branches across the Central Plains and steadily expanded their informant base.
As a result, the Peak Realm Members, who had been running themselves ragged across the regions—
Could finally focus solely on refining high-quality intelligence.
"The liquor bugs in my belly have been clamoring, waiting for the Great Leader to propose a drink."
At Jeong Jong-do's jest, the members broke into bright smiles.
Drinking with Seo Jin-ha was always a delight—
Not only did he have a natural gift for putting people at ease, but his eloquence made every gathering lively.
"Then let's go."
Seo Jin-ha patted his coin pouch.
"Let's drink until our noses go crooked."
Seo Jin-ha and the Peak Realm Members stopped at a small tavern in an isolated village just outside Chengdu.
It was a place they frequented.
With only about six tables and an elderly owner running the place alone, it was impossible to enter during busy hours—
But the side dishes were immaculate, and the tavern served a renowned white liquor, Yanghe Old White Liquor, making the drinks exceptionally fine.
"Hahaha!"
"That's right! I truly thought I was going to die that time!"
After several rounds, the atmosphere grew warm and lively.
In a way, Seo Jin-ha and the Peak Realm Members were strikingly similar—
Their lives had been utterly transformed after meeting Bu Eun-seol, and they had sworn to devote their remaining days to him.
Yet they could not stand by his side, only supporting him from afar.
Because Seo Jin-ha understood their frustration better than anyone—
He took meticulous care in his role as their leader, ensuring they never felt neglected or resentful.
"I'll step out for some air."
As the alcohol warmed his veins, Seo Jin-ha rose from his seat.
Tae Mu-ryong followed.
"I'll join you."
The wind beyond the mountains was serene, and stars seemed to hide in the sky above the tavern's roof.
The occasional chirp of insects and the lanterns swaying at the eaves created an oddly poetic atmosphere.
Drunk and gazing up at the night sky, the worries of mortal life felt as insignificant as specks of dust.
"Sigh."
Seo Jin-ha and Tae Mu-ryong took a deep breath in unison, as if they had made a silent pact.
The moon had yet to rise, and the vast sky was so densely scattered with starlight it seemed ready to spill over.
"This is nice."
Tae Mu-ryong spoke in a low voice, as if a thought had suddenly occurred to him.
"Once the Lord completes his great undertaking... what does the Chief plan to do?"
At some point, the Peak Realm Members had all sensed it.
That everything Bu Eun-seol had planned would soon come to fruition. That the conclusion was steadily approaching.
—Then what becomes of us?
The Peak Realm Members were plunged into contemplation.
They had sworn lifelong loyalty, but Bu Eun-seol was never one to remain in the Martial World.
So what would become of them?
"Building a grand estate and playing the role of a hegemon of the Martial World wouldn't be bad, would it?"
Seo Jin-ha smiled faintly.
"Or perhaps opening a small tavern in a scenic valley and enjoying a leisurely life—that doesn't sound too bad either."
The Peak Realm Members had grown strong enough that, even if they left now, they could dominate an entire region.
Moreover, Bu Eun-seol had deposited a staggering sum in the Shanxi Silver Tiger Bank, ensuring they could retire at any time.
If they so wished?
They could leave the Martial World right now and live comfortably without a single worry.
"And what about you, Chief?"
Seo Jin-ha answered honestly, his voice quiet.
"Truthfully, I've already resolved to become that man's retainer. If he becomes a farmer, I'll till the fields. If he becomes a merchant, I'll take up the abacus."
"A retainer...?"
"That's right. The only reason I'm in the Martial World now is because he is."
Tae Mu-ryong's expression turned astonished.
Though Seo Jin-ha's personality seemed playful and easygoing, he was a born martial prodigy.
His comprehension and talent in martial arts, his combat instincts, improvisation, mastery of strategy and tactics—all were exceptional.
Not to mention his unshakable will and the charisma to sway hearts.
And yet, he was only in the Martial World because Bu Eun-seol was?
"I see."
After a long moment of contemplation, Tae Mu-ryong finally spoke.
"But I can't help worrying... that the Lord won't be able to lead such an ordinary life."
In truth, everyone who knew Bu Eun-seol desperately wished for one thing.
That once all was done, he would settle down, build a family, and live in peace.
Yet somehow, they couldn't shake the premonition that such a thing would never come to pass.
—Because the Lord would never turn away from karma.
He had thrown himself into the Martial World for vengeance.
He had drawn his sword for justice, for countless people.
But in doing so, he had become entangled in endless grudges and stained by bloody retribution.
—If those who live by the sword were to enjoy a happy old age, nothing could be more grotesque.
That was what he always said, like a mantra.
Bu Eun-seol believed that martial artists who lived by the blade were doomed to misery—that they didn't even have the right to seek happiness.
Tae Mu-ryong, the Peak Realm Members—
They all worried endlessly about the future of a man who spoke such words as habit.
"Of course, that may be true."
Seo Jin-ha, too, gazed at the distant sky.
The idea of Bu Eun-seol living an ordinary life was nothing more than wishful thinking. There was no telling what lay ahead.
"But as long as I'm with him, I'll have no regrets, no matter what kind of life we lead."
Tae Mu-ryong nodded deeply, visibly moved by Seo Jin-ha's words.
"Truth be told, I'd made the same decision as you, Chief."
And he, too, spoke honestly.
"I've resolved to follow in the Lord's footsteps to the very end."
"Is that so?"
Seo Jin-ha playfully thumped his shoulder and joked.
"But remember—I'm the first retainer. If that day comes, we'll have to settle seniority properly."
"Who knows? We'll see when the time comes."
Tae Mu-ryong chuckled.
"Frankly, if we exclude martial arts, I'm more versatile in—"
KRRRUMBLE.
But then, a faint rumble of thunder echoed from the distant sky.
Had they been ordinary martial artists, they might have thought it heralded rain.
But the moment Seo Jin-ha and Tae Mu-ryong heard it, their expressions darkened.
Because that was no thunder.
It was the sound of an unimaginably powerful master unleashing a movement technique beyond comprehension.
"Killing Intent."
Seo Jin-ha's eyes flashed.
Given how faintly the thunderous sound had reached them, the master had to be at least several dozen li away.
And yet, an overwhelming, sky-blanketing Killing Intent had spread all the way to where they stood?
"Something's wrong."
Piiii—
Seo Jin-ha let out a long whistle, its sound carrying for miles.
But no response came.
The intelligence network of the Death Soul Squad had reached a level comparable to the Beggars' Sect in its prime.
It spanned the entire Central Plains, with branches densely established in key regions.
Not only that, but they had informants among the Black Gangs, merchants, and even commoners engaged in legitimate trades.
If he sent an emergency signal via an energy-infused whistle, a response—whether another whistle or a signal flare—would always rise from any region.
Yet there was nothing.
"Someone's wiped out every intelligence cell in this vicinity."
Tae Mu-ryong swallowed dryly, his face tense.
If the Death Soul Squad's local intelligence network—no, the entire main network—had collapsed at once?
Then an unfathomably powerful enemy, commanding an intelligence force beyond imagination, had arrived.