Chapter 1099
A brief silence passed.
What they were discussing was, in essence, annihilation.
The Jungson Clan—one of the legendary Three Great Martial Families, whose true stronghold had remained unknown to anyone until now—was about to have a scheme prepared for its downfall.
At that moment, Tae Mu-ryong spoke.
"We've managed to locate what we believe to be the Jungson Clan's main base, but..."
He continued cautiously.
"I can't help but suspect they intentionally revealed their stronghold."
Given that all those who had pursued So-ho had been wiped out, the Jungson Clan must have realized their own traces could be exposed.
No matter how much effort the intelligence networks of the three allied factions had poured into the search, uncovering their identity this swiftly was suspicious.
"That's a perfectly reasonable concern."
Then Gongson Dan-gyeong spoke.
"Behind the Jungson Clan stand the Heavenly Mechanism Star and Chu-so. If they had truly wished to conceal their stronghold, we wouldn't have found it this quickly."
The gathered strategists nodded once more.
The Heavenly Mechanism Star never did anything ordinary.
Even if their tracks had been revealed through this kidnapping incident, they could have easily hidden their base for two or three years if they had truly wanted to.
"Perhaps he has prepared a scheme to make up for past failures—failures that were thwarted by the Lord. Even if not, he would have made thorough preparations against pursuit."
Bu Eun-seol let out a quiet sigh.
Though he had foiled the Heavenly Mechanism Star's schemes several times before, the man was a brilliant strategist whose thoughts were nearly impossible to predict.
Just because they had uncovered the Jungson Clan's movements didn't mean this would end easily.
"With that in mind, the Death Shadow War Unit has drafted a plan to simultaneously eliminate all the wandering troupes scattered across the Central Plains."
At that, Yu Un-ryong spread a large map across the table in the chamber.
He then spent a long while explaining the strategy.
"However, given their sheer numbers, it's impossible to wipe them all out at once, even with the combined forces of the Death Shadow War Unit, the Azure Heaven Alliance, and the Martial Soul Society."
He took a deep breath before continuing.
"We'll need the assistance of the Azure Heaven Alliance, the Martial Alliance, the Eight Great Families, the Nine Great Sects and One Gang... and even the Government Office."
The strategists nodded in agreement.
It was difficult to even estimate how many wandering troupes existed across the Central Plains.
Nor could they know which of these troupes were connected to the Jungson Clan.
And if they didn't eliminate them all at once...
They could vanish into the hidden abyss, never to be found again.
They would need to rally the forces of every martial faction in the world and, with the cooperation of the Government Office, annihilate them in a single strike.
At that moment, Yu Hwa-ryeong, the Chief Officer of the Martial Soul Society, smiled faintly and spoke.
"Isn't that precisely why strategists from the orthodox and unorthodox factions—who would normally never mix—have been forced to gather here?"
Though it was a brief jest, the tense air in the meeting chamber eased slightly.
Bu Eun-seol opened his mouth with a composed expression.
"This may be a golden opportunity. After Shaolin, another faction might gain imperial recognition."
"You must have some hidden scheme in mind."
At Gongson Dan-gyeong's words, Bu Eun-seol smiled.
"I've merely been considering ways to make the Martial Soul Society a little more secure."
Then, sweeping his gaze across the assembly, he declared firmly:
"Now, let us pool all our wisdom and bring down the Jungson Clan of the world."
From the perspective of needing to mobilize even the orthodox factions and the imperial army...
The identity of the Heir of the Demon Hall was the worst possible hand. Their goal was nearly impossible.
And yet, the strategists of the three allied factions—orthodox and unorthodox alike—were uniting their wisdom.
They were preparing a plan that would move every martial faction in the world, even the Government Office.
The meeting continued for seven days and nights.
The floor was strewn with countless books, and the table was piled high with letters written in secret code.
Though all of them were young, they had more experience in the martial world and deeper insight than most.
Numerous opinions were exchanged, studied, and debated.
Bu Eun-seol meticulously pinpointed the feasibility of each proposal from the collected suggestions.
By the time the seven days and nights had passed...
The countless opinions finally began to converge into one.
Bu Eun-seol selected the most rational and feasible among them...
And was able to establish the rough framework of their plan.
"The core of this scheme is not merely about creating a common enemy—but forcing an inescapable catastrophe before their very eyes."
Having completed the strategy to bring down the Jungson Clan, he began explaining it calmly.
"The primary objective of this plan is to unite the entire martial world and place them at the crossroads of 'life or death.'"
The Jungson Clan had entrenched its roots deep within the martial world for generations.
Their influence extended not only to martial factions but also to the Government Office, the Upper Realm, and every stratum of power.
So if Bu Eun-seol stepped forward openly to strike them down?
They would only face retaliation.
In the worst case, the crimes they had committed thus far could be pinned on him instead.
"Rather, we must exploit the Jungson Clan's long-standing reputation as a legend—and use it to sow unrest and terror vast enough to shake the entire world."
"I see you intend to exploit the Jungson Clan's greatest strength—their identity as a wandering troupe."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes sparkled as she spoke.
"After all, they've been abducting children and trafficking humans under the shadow of their nomadic reputation."
"Correct."
"But to execute this plan, we'd need to either turn the Righteous Faction leaders who oppose you or convince those remaining neutral to cooperate..."
"I'll handle that myself. However—"
Bu Eun-seol replied calmly,
"To trap them, we must first let ourselves crumble."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Since ancient times, the surest way to drive an enemy into an inescapable corner has always been... a headwind."
—Children are being abducted.
The rumor spread like wildfire through Murim.
Without distinction between orthodox sects, unorthodox factions, the Upper Realm, or government offices—children from influential families or those with exceptional talent were vanishing in an unbroken chain of disappearances.
The abductions occurred simultaneously across regions, and no matter how thoroughly investigators searched, no traces were left behind.
This could only mean one thing: a systematic operation by a shadowy organization.
Moreover, child abduction was an unforgivable crime—unacceptable to government offices, orthodox sects, unorthodox factions, and even the demonic path alike.
—Find them!
Murim's factions and intelligence networks finally mobilized.
As the situation escalated...
Clues that had seemed impossible to uncover began surfacing one by one.
—A Demonic Path organization?
To everyone's shock, the abductors...
Were martial artists who wielded Demonic Path techniques, operating as an elite force with an extensive intelligence apparatus.
—Track them down!
Intelligence organizations combed through the Demonic Path's elite ranks.
Naturally, the Demon Hall cooperated with the investigation.
—This can't be.
After meticulous scrutiny by Murim's factions, an unthinkable truth emerged.
—The Death Shadow War Unit?
Traces of systematic child abductions...
Were discovered within the very ranks of the Martial Soul Lord's elite unit—the Death Shadow War Unit under the Demon Hall.
—Impossible.
The Martial Soul Lord wasn't just known as the Righteous Man within the Demonic Path—he had always walked the path of justice.
How could such a man orchestrate child abductions?
—Preposterous slander!
When these rumors spread, the Martial Soul Lord immediately denied them.
—My hall had already deployed intelligence operatives to investigate this case covertly.
The abductors' movements likely overlapped with ours.
A plausible explanation.
Yet Murim's investigators couldn't accept it.
The timing of the abductions matched the Death Shadow War Unit's operations with uncanny precision.
—Are you claiming your hall anticipated these kidnappings?
When confronted with this question—
—As stated, we detected anomalies and launched our own inquiry. The perfect timing overlap is coincidental.
Despite his explanation, suspicions only deepened.
Because when urged—
—Then let us form a joint investigation to verify the Death Shadow War Unit's innocence.
Bu Eun-seol flatly refused all external scrutiny.
—Why should this lord submit to inspection when no crime has been committed?
His outright rejection left Murim disillusioned.
The Martial Soul Lord, who had always acted with unblemished integrity...
Now letting pride obstruct justice in such a grave matter? It made no sense.
—A wolf in sheep's clothing!
The orthodox coalition, the Martial Alliance, erupted in fury.
But the Demonic Path defended their lord.
—Innocence warrants unwavering confidence, does it not?
As tensions escalated, the Martial Alliance intensified its condemnation.
—If innocent, he should welcome scrutiny to clear all doubts! This obstinacy only breeds suspicion!
Bu Eun-seol's silence ultimately...
Fractured Murim, stoking orthodox-demonic tensions to unprecedented heights.
And then—
A new catastrophe erupted, plunging the already volatile martial world into deeper chaos.
—Who dares commit treason?!
Counterfeit currency flooded the realm.
Forged vouchers destabilized not just government offices but the financial foundations of entire sects.
—Find the culprits!
Authorities hunted the counterfeiters desperately—yet no leads emerged.
—This is deliberate sabotage!
As distrust festered, sects turned against one another.
With the situation deteriorating, skirmishes erupted endlessly across Murim.
The chasm between orthodox and unorthodox factions yawned wider.
Amid this descent toward mutual destruction...
The long-silent Martial Soul Lord finally made his move.
"I shall convene a World Conference in the Main Hall!"
He abruptly announced this shocking proposal to the martial world.
"I will invite the leaders of the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic Paths to hold a summit—to address the abductions of children and the counterfeit currency case!"
And then he added:
"For this World Conference, each faction's leader must attend alone."
There was no need to announce their participation in advance. If they intended to come, they need only appear in person at the Main Hall on the day of the meeting.
Though word of this spread, none of the factions responded.
This was a man who had long been under suspicion—who had never properly investigated or cleared his name.
For him to suddenly summon the leaders of every martial faction and propose a conference to discuss solutions—
It could only be seen as either audacious or utterly shameless.
"The Martial Soul Lord must have already grasped the outline of the case—that's why he's calling the World Conference."
A few intelligence organizations deduced that he must have already uncovered clues regarding the abductions and counterfeit currency.
Otherwise, he—the most suspected party—would never dare convene such a gathering.
"The investigation confirms the counterfeit currency was produced by a martial faction. The martial world must resolve this itself!"
But then, an unexpected development occurred.
Enraged by this revelation, the Emperor—
Through Yu Jeong-pung, the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet and one of the most respected officials among the people—issued an ultimatum to the martial world.
"By imperial decree!"
If they attempted to sweep the counterfeit currency case under the rug, the government would have no choice but to investigate every martial faction.
With this edict delivered, the leaders of the martial factions found themselves in an impossible position.
The principle of non-interference between government and martial affairs had its limits.
In a situation where counterfeit money flooded the streets and children were systematically abducted—
If the martial factions did nothing but snarl at each other and sharpen their blades—
Then the government would be fully justified in stepping in to impose sanctions.
"Come to think of it, every time the Martial Soul Lord has taken action, the matter was resolved."
As the situation escalated to its breaking point, the leaders of the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions turned their attention to the World Conference proposed by the Martial Soul Lord.
"Perhaps he truly has been misunderstood."
Though he had never given a clear explanation regarding the child abductions before—
His many acts of goodwill had earned him the trust of about half the martial world.
Above all, his intellect was renowned. There would be no harm in hearing what he had to say.
"Let's send our deputies to listen to what he has to say."
The Righteous Faction, the Black Path, and the Unorthodox Faction all deliberated.
If they immediately accepted the invitation of the man they had so vehemently condemned, their pride would suffer.
In the end, they dispatched their deputies—
No, in truth, mere messengers—to attend the World Conference.
After all, all they needed was the information he would provide.
"The Martial Soul Lord's authority within the Demon Hall is immense."
Given the magnitude of the crisis shaking the martial world—
This was a situation where either the Demonic Heavenly Emperor himself or at least the Supreme Cult Commander should have taken charge.
Yet both seemed to have entrusted the Demon Hall entirely to the Martial Soul Lord, remaining conspicuously absent.
"The Demonic Heavenly Emperor trusts him implicitly."
Such an attitude only reinforced the Martial Soul Lord's standing.
With mixed feelings of skepticism and reluctant hope, martial artists made their way to the Demon Hall where the World Conference would be held.
The World Conference—
A historic gathering where the leaders of the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic Paths would assemble for the first time in martial history—was finally held.
But most of those in attendance were—
Either minor functionaries from their respective sects, or Righteous Path Taoists and knights who shuddered at the mere mention of the word "demon"—
Or Unorthodox warlords who had spent their lives stabbing each other in the back in bloody struggles for survival.
Still, given the gravity of the occasion—
Even as they glared at one another—
They walked the same path, toward the same destination.
The gates of the Demon Hall, always tightly shut, now stood wide open.
Those who stepped inside could not help but marvel in silence.
The halls within were constructed with flawless precision—straight lines and right angles without the slightest deviation.
Not a single curve was permitted, as if symbolizing absolute order and control.
Scattered throughout were guards clad in black martial uniforms, standing as motionless as statues forged from black iron.
Their presence was as cold and restrained as a finely honed blade.
These were elite warriors deliberately stationed as guards—to showcase the Demon Hall's might.
"This is the sacred land of all demons under heaven..."
Those visiting the Demon Hall for the first time were rendered speechless by its overwhelming grandeur.
Though it had been portrayed as a Demon Den drenched in blood and madness—
In reality, it was more solemn than the Imperial Palace—
And its discipline seemed even more unyielding than that of Shaolin.
The gathered warlords of the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths, each harboring their own emotions, stepped forward into the crushing silence.
Hwanwu Pavilion.
A meeting hall within the Hidden Demon Pavilion, reserved for its leaders.
But now, its plaque had been replaced with two characters: "Guardian" and "All Under Heaven".
The warriors of the Demon Hall were guiding the martial artists attending the World Conference inside.
—To think those who bring chaos to the world would hang such a plaque—how laughable.
Most of the martial heroes entering the Hall of the Cosmos were either orthodox faction members like the Emei and Mount Tai Sects, who held hostility toward Bu Eun-seol, or unorthodox masters from the Black Path Alliance and other factions.
Though the Martial Alliance had also sent representatives, they were merely the head of the White Lotus Hall—a minor official managing documents for various sects—not even the Chief Strategist.
In truth, these people had not come to properly attend the World Conference.
They had visited the Demon Hall both to verify what information Bu Eun-seol possessed and to humiliate him.
At that moment, Elder Nun Hyeon-gong of the Emei Sect scoffed as she read the plaque.
"You should clear the accusation of kidnapping children before writing words like these."
A few orthodox faction members snickered at her muttering.
But the moment they stepped inside the Hall of the Cosmos, their laughter died instantly.
The floor was paved with flawless white jade, and with each step, a chilling energy seeped through their soles, creeping up their spines.
Countless Night Shining Pearls embedded in the ceiling bathed the hall in daylight-like radiance, while the blended fragrance of the highest-grade aloeswood and ambergris pricked their nostrils, sharpening their minds.
Moreover, the ceiling bore Cloud Dragon Sky Lanterns—luxuries reserved for the imperial court—casting a golden glow.
—This can't be...
Yet what shocked the orthodox faction members wasn't the extravagant decorations.
At the center of the hall stood a massive circular black jade table, surrounded by dozens of chairs spaced at precise intervals.
The chairs were framed with Mysterious Iron, while their seats and backrests were carved entirely from warm jade, said to retain heat even in winter.
Each one alone was worth an entire estate.
But that wasn't the real issue.
Elder Nun Hyeon-gong's sleeve trembled faintly.
She doubted her own eyes as she fixed her gaze on the back of one chair.
—Emei Sect, Elder Nun Hyeon-gong.
Because every chair bore a name.
"......"
A frigid silence fell.
Following her gaze, a figure from the Black Path Alliance also found his name engraved on a chair.
Death Soul Blade, Baek Hon.
Bloodless Ghost, Seol Yong.
Without a single error, as if they had been waiting for them all along, the names were carved in bold yet chilling calligraphy.
Even Yeon Mu-sang, the master of the Black Path Alliance's Ghost Soul Pavilion—who had agonized until the last moment over whether to attend—was included.
—How is this possible?
Goosebumps rose on the martial heroes' backs.
The identities and ranks of those attending this World Conference were top-secret.
Some had only learned who would represent them the day before departure.
Yet the Martial Soul Lord had pierced through the list of attendees as if he had observed everything from the heavens.
—A warning.
The figures in the hall felt their spines turn to ice.
This was no mere hospitality.
It was a silent warning—that no matter what secrets they schemed, no matter what tricks they played, they were all within his grasp—while simultaneously flaunting the might of the Death Soul Squad's intelligence network.
"Sanghak Unit Commander, Yu Un-ryong, greets you."
Just then, the inner doors opened, and Yu Un-ryong stepped forward, clasping his hands toward the attendees.
"Thank you for your presence. The Lord will arrive shortly—please take your seats."
Instantly, the expressions of the gathered warriors twisted strangely.
They had intended to defy whatever Yu Un-ryong said, trampling the Martial Soul Lord's dignity.
Had Yu Un-ryong ordered them to stand for the Lord's entrance, they would have remained seated out of spite.
But he had told them to sit instead.
If they refused and stood? They would appear to be respectfully greeting the Martial Soul Lord's arrival.
If they sat? They would be obediently following Yu Un-ryong's command.
—He's already boiling us alive from the start.
Trapped, they could only fidget in place, unable to decide.
Then, footsteps echoed as a man in black robes entered.
Bu Eun-seol.
His stride carried the majesty of a dragon descended from heaven in human form, and his eyes held a light that overwhelmed all who beheld it.
—To think such a beautiful face belonged to him?
Bu Eun-seol had moved covertly in the martial world, rarely appearing in public, so few orthodox faction members had seen his true appearance.
Especially since those gathered here were all minor officials from their respective factions, they couldn't help but be stunned by his striking features.
But their shock wasn't solely due to that.
—What kind of presence is this...?
The Martial Soul Lord had always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's strongest, so even if he had surpassed Returning to Simplicity and reached Tranquil Stillness, making his qi appear utterly ordinary, it wouldn't have been surprising.
—...There's nothing at all?
If Tranquil Stillness concealed one's presence to seem mundane, his qi and aura had transcended even the boundary between self and other.
If Bu Eun-seol so desired—
They wouldn't feel the slightest pressure until the moment his blade touched their skin—
Only then realizing they had already stepped into inescapable death.