Chapter 1121
Bu Eun-seol headed toward the Demon Hall with a complicated heart.
Dal-ri was someone who served the True Demon—an existence fundamentally incompatible with himself.
Though there had been a traitor like Pa-myeong, that was only possible because he had stolen the True Demon's Secret Arts and abandoned his physical body.
In the end, between Bu Eun-seol and Dal-ri,
there lay an uncrossable river.
'We will meet again soon.'
He was certain of it.
Before long, Dal-ri would appear before him once more.
Even if... it were to be their final meeting.
Upon returning to the Demon Hall, he suppressed his turbulent emotions and convened a meeting.
There, he relayed everything about Moon-Gazing Island.
The grand masters all nodded with expressions of understanding.
Had this been in the past, they would have worn blank stares as if listening to a fairy tale.
But in the current martial world, those born with extraordinary eyes or bodies were countless, and there were even those who wielded the power of the One Hundred and Eight Stars.
Moreover, the fact that those embodying the origins of the Demonic and Orthodox Paths had been born across generations was no longer so strange.
After concluding the meeting, Bu Eun-seol returned to his office and sank deep into thought.
Was it because of the Soul-Erasure Art she had unleashed?
He still couldn't free himself from Dal-ri's lingering illusion.
Knock, knock.
Just then, the sound of knocking came, followed by Yu Un-ryong's voice.
"Urgent news."
Entering, he delivered unexpected tidings to Bu Eun-seol.
"The Imperial Palace has finally made contact."
"The Imperial Palace?"
"Yes."
Yu Un-ryong studied Bu Eun-seol's reaction with a troubled expression.
"To be precise, it was through Grand Secretary Yu that the Emperor discreetly issued the command."
"Grand Secretary Yu... I see."
In the past, to eradicate the Jungson Clan,
Bu Eun-seol had enlisted Yu Un-ryong's help to move the Emperor through Yu Jeong-pung.
And thanks to that,
the united front of the Orthodox and Demonic factions—the World Alliance—had been able to uproot the Jungson Clan's influence spread across the Central Plains without clashing with the Imperial Palace's forces.
But nothing in this world came for free.
Now, the time had come to repay that debt.
"Since I owe them, I'll naturally repay it."
As Bu Eun-seol nodded with a willing expression, Yu Un-ryong's face relaxed in relief.
"They plan to completely dismantle the opium fields under the Empress Dowager's control..."
But then, rubbing his temples as if pained, he glanced at the letter.
"Though in truth, it seems they intend to wipe out all of the Empress Dowager's secret organizations."
"So they're sending out bait."
"Correct."
"For bait capable of drawing out the Empress Dowager's organizations, it can't be just anyone."
Yu Un-ryong scratched his head.
"Princess Hui-jeong."
"Hui-jeong."
Only then did Bu Eun-seol realize why Yu Un-ryong had been frowning all along.
"...I see."
Princess Hui-jeong was not only renowned for her beauty and talent but also for her exceptional martial prowess.
The problem was that she was infamous for roaming the capital in male attire, playing pranks on the scions of powerful families—
a truly uncontrollable tomboy.
"Officially, Princess Hui-jeong will disguise herself and conduct an undercover investigation of the opium fields alongside Embroidered Uniform Guard agents."
Yu Un-ryong took a deep breath before continuing.
"But in reality, you'll serve as a guide—an ex-assassin hired by the Guard—protecting the princess while dealing with those organizations."
"No matter how skilled the escort, placing the princess at the forefront of a plan with clear assassination risks is extremely dangerous."
"Naturally. The Emperor must have agonized over it."
Yu Un-ryong shook his head.
"But no matter how you look at it, this is something only Princess Hui-jeong can accomplish."
He then calmly explained.
"The Empress Dowager has too many spies within the royal court. The Emperor can trust only a handful of loyal subjects, including the princess."
"......"
"If this task were entrusted to anyone else, there'd be over an eighty percent chance of leaks causing the plan to fail."
He went on.
"Moreover, to lure out the Empress Dowager's secret organizations, ordinary bait won't suffice."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"Indeed, only a princess cherished by the Emperor would do."
"Exactly."
The Emperor's own daughter stepping forward?
From the Empress Dowager's perspective, it was an irresistible lure—one she'd have to bite, even knowing better.
"Additionally, Princess Hui-jeong's martial arts are said to be far more exceptional than assumed. Not only has she entered the Imperial Palace Martial Repository, but she's also received training from several masters."
Yu Un-ryong shrugged.
"Above all... this operation was reportedly the princess's own proposal. The Emperor had no choice but to comply."
"It wasn't the Emperor's plan."
The bold Princess Hui-jeong had been the one to first propose this scheme to the Emperor.
"And for this plan to succeed, it required multiple layers of protection—as well as an escort who could absolutely guarantee her safety."
"So I'm the right person for the job."
"Exactly. Above all else..."
Yu Un-ryong made a regretful expression.
"Yu Jeong-pung knows you've mastered a disguise technique that makes you impossible to detect."
During his previous meeting with Yu Jeong-pung, the topic of disguises had come up, and Bu Eun-seol had no choice but to reveal some of his capabilities.
Of course, it had been a necessary disclosure during negotiations.
But Yu Un-ryong couldn't help worrying whether that had been too rash a decision.
Because Yu Jeong-pung was a man who valued the Emperor's safety above even his own life—or that of his kin.
Sure enough,
in the end, Yu Jeong-pung had dragged Bu Eun-seol into the imperial power struggle.
The Martial Soul Lord.
Only this young grandmaster, who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the era's greatest martial experts,
was deemed the finest possible escort for Princess Hui-jeong.
"Even I can't protect the Princess flawlessly alone."
"There's no other choice."
Yu Un-ryong's face looked somewhat aged.
"Because we owe a debt."
His expression made it clear just how much he had agonized over accepting this order.
"The only silver lining is that the martial world has been quiet lately."
"Hmm."
Wrinkles formed on Bu Eun-seol's face as well.
Burning down the Empress Dowager's opium fields while protecting the Princess?
And to put it kindly, she was a tomboy—but judging by the rumors,
she likely had a brat-like temperament.
Even without experiencing it firsthand, the hardship was obvious.
"Don't overthink it. It's practically an imperial decree—you can't refuse."
"Hmm."
Bu Eun-seol exhaled deeply.
"Understood."
The Emperor was a shrewd and intelligent man.
Bu Eun-seol had no choice but to repay the debt—principal and interest alike.
Before ascending to the private chamber of an inn within the Bu Estate,
Bu Eun-seol took one last look at his reflection in the bronze mirror hanging on the wall.
His once-handsome features were nowhere to be seen. Instead, a sickly pale face and emaciated body stood there—
an utterly unremarkable man who wouldn't draw a second glance from anyone.
'This should do.'
Upon reaching the private chamber on the third floor,
he found men who looked unmistakably like military officers standing guard in rigid formation.
"Zheng Bi, reporting."
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands in greeting, one of the men extended his palm.
"Command Plaque."
Without a word, Bu Eun-seol produced the plaque Yu Un-ryong had given him and handed it over.
The guards then parted to make way.
Creak.
Inside, a grand banquet table came into view. At the center of the large table sat a beautiful woman in resplendent martial attire—
and beside her stood a middle-aged man in black robes, standing at attention.
Princess Hui-jeong and Mo Il-chung, the Golden Guard captain tasked with her protection.
"This lowly one, Zheng Bi, pays his respects to Her Highness the Princess."
As Bu Eun-seol prostrated himself in a deep bow, her gaze swept over him from head to toe.
Her eyes were cold and indifferent, as if she were examining a pebble on the roadside.
"...His Majesty has gone to unnecessary trouble."
Her voice, icy as winter, dripped with disappointment.
"To involve a martial artist—and a lowly assassin at that—in a matter requiring absolute secrecy..."
"According to the Grand Secretary, this man is an unrivaled master in the art of dismantling formations," said Mo Il-chung deferentially from her side.
"For this mission to succeed, we must have an expert in breaking formations."
The Empress Dowager's secret opium fields were protected by layers of strange battle formations and guarded by formidable masters at all times—
making it a fortress impossible to breach through brute force alone.
"This Princess has already mastered the essence of the Imperial Palace Secret Repository and can dismantle any Strange Formation."
"Of course, Your Highness."
Mo Il-chung bowed his head humbly at her words.
"However, His Majesty likely summoned this formation expert to ensure the operation proceeds more smoothly."
"Fine. But if this man's skills prove lacking..."
Princess Hui-jeong smirked, her smile razor-sharp.
"This Princess will personally cut off his head."
Then, glaring straight at Bu Eun-seol, she demanded:
"Do you understand?"
"I shall keep it in mind, Your Highness."
As he lowered his head, Bu Eun-seol clicked his tongue inwardly.
The Emperor is benevolent and wise—so how did his daughter turn out so venomous?
"And it wasn't purely out of duty after all."
A peculiar excitement swirled within her flushed cheeks and blazing eyes.
I had thought she'd undertaken this mission to aid the Emperor—to save the people groaning under the weight of opium.
But perhaps instead.
Had she volunteered for this task simply to escape the stifling Imperial Palace? To finally set foot in the Martial World she'd only heard of in stories?
"Even this perilous mission is nothing more than a game to her."
As if to prove it, she sprang up from her seat, baring pearly teeth in a grin.
"We depart at once."
Beyond Shanhaiguan lay Black Cloud Valley—a deep ravine scarcely known to the outside world.
Hidden in its innermost basin, invisible from the outside, sprawled vast fields of opium.
The Empress Dowager's subordinates had conscripted villagers from nearby ethnic minority settlements to tend the fields.
Those simple folk could neither read nor distinguish medicinal herbs.
Told they were cultivating precious ingredients for the Imperial Palace, they obeyed without question.
Moreover, a temple had been erected at the valley's entrance. Outwardly, it appeared an ancient place of worship—but in truth, it was a fortress guarding the opium fields.
Unbefitting a temple, its high walls and watchtowers bristled with soldiers disguised as monks, ever vigilant.
Bu Eun-seol, observing the temple from afar, spoke cautiously.
"Your Highness, the enemy's defenses are formidable. Rather than charging in recklessly, I suggest we wait for nightfall. Allow me to infiltrate first, assess their strength, then set fires from within to sow chaos. That would be the wiser course."
Princess Hui-jeong waved a dismissive hand at his measured strategy.
"How tedious."
Her eyes burned solely with thoughts of how to ravage the enemy stronghold before her.
"No need for such petty tricks against these bandit scum."
Drawing her sword with a flourish, she declared boldly:
"The Embroidered Uniform Guard acts under imperial decree! We shatter their formation head-on and cut them all down—that's all there is to it!"
Bu Eun-seol's brow furrowed at her reckless bravado.
This arrogant, sheltered princess—just how much calamity will she unleash?
The scale of the impending disaster was already painfully clear.
"Advance at once and dismantle their battle formation!"
Compelled by her order, Bu Eun-seol had no choice but to unleash his Movement Technique, darting toward the temple.
Though the exterior seemed peaceful, six intricate battle formations overlapped within.
Even a master scholar would need six days of ceaseless calculation to unravel them.
"But she won't wait for calculations."
"Can you undo it?"
As if confirming Bu Eun-seol's prediction, Mo Il-chung followed anxiously.
"I mean—can you do it quickly?"
"Of course."
In a hushed voice, he added,
"Her Highness isn't the type to sit patiently while formations are unraveled."
"If you dawdle instead of acting swiftly, your head will roll first."
"I'm aware. Match your steps to mine."
Then he strode forward.
Huuuung.
A faint tremor spread outward as a mist began to seep in all directions.
In truth, he wasn't unraveling the formation.
He was forcibly shattering it by channeling the Heavenly Light Endless Art with overwhelming force.
Hwoong, huuung.
Unaware of this, the Embroidered Uniform Guards,
seeing the tremors and mist spreading, truly believed he was dismantling the formation.
With solemn expressions, they followed in his footsteps.
Sssssaaah—
But as they neared the temple, a black fog began to spread.
This was no ordinary mist.
A single breath would twist one's qi and blood, inducing hallucinations—
the Death-Blood Poison Fog of the Blood Poison Sect.
"It's poison mist."
At Bu Eun-seol's halted step, Princess Hui-jeong snorted behind him.
"This princess is impervious to all poisons. If it troubles you, take an antidote and keep up."
She strode forward into the fog without hesitation.
"Use the Azure Dragon Treasure to ensure no harm comes to Her Highness's royal person."
The Embroidered Uniform Guard had prepared thoroughly for this expedition.
Not only had they assembled elite masters capable of protecting the princess in any crisis—
they had also brought treasures to counter every conceivable threat.
Huuung.
As the Azure Dragon Treasure activated, the poison mist gradually dissipated.
"The Azure Dragon Treasure can only neutralize one type of poison at a time..."
Bu Eun-seol sighed, watching the scene unfold.
In truth, this poisonous mist contained not only the Death-Point Poison Mist of the Blood Poison Sect,
but also the Breath-Accumulating Bone-Dissolving Fog—a toxin often employed by poison masters of Yunnan's Poison Sects.
Yet the method was so cunningly concealed that only a true Poison Person, deeply versed in toxins, could detect it.
Mo Il-chung had simply ordered the Azure Dragon Jewel to be brought out without a second thought.
'Even with formidable internal energy, enduring this poison would be nearly impossible.'
The Bone-Dissolving Fog seeped into the mind, manifesting the most horrific nightmares as reality,
bearing a nature similar to the Heart Poison—a toxin that drove its victims to self-destruction.
Whoooosh.
With no other choice, Bu Eun-seol began purifying both poisons simultaneously, unleashing the power of the Saint Among Poisons.
"Hmph, this is nothing."
Even though Bu Eun-seol had already neutralized the poison mist, allowing easy passage,
Princess Hui-jeong remained oblivious, striding into the temple as if it were trivial.
Sssssss.
The moment they stepped into the ancient temple's courtyard, the flow of the air shifted subtly.
It sounded like dry leaves rustling in the wind—or perhaps something light and swift darting past.
Thud.
And just as expected, blocking their path were monstrous figures, their forms like black shadows even in broad daylight.
They were assassins from the infamous Black Rain, a lethal faction renowned in the Martial World—
not only for their secrecy and brutality,
but for their Ghost Shadow Killing Technique, which erased sound and presence, melding their bodies into the darkness.
"Intruders."
The leader of the assassins hissed sharply.
"Kill them."
That was the signal.
Sssssk!
Like ink dispersing in water, a dozen black shadows seeped into the ground simultaneously.
Moving at speeds beyond human perception—
Whoosh!
—they reappeared around Princess Hui-jeong and her Embroidered Uniform Guard escorts, launching a relentless assault.
The true terror of the Ghost Shadow Killing Technique lay not only in rendering assassins spectral,
but in their coordinated attacks.
While one slashed from the front to seize their target's attention,
two others emerged like phantoms from blind spots, aiming for fatal Death Points.
Their strikes were no mere martial techniques—
they became each other's shadows, their killing intent merging into a single, flawless Killing Formation—a perfect Combined Attack Art.
"Guh—!"
With a scream, blood sprayed from a guard's shoulder.
He seemed utterly bewildered, unable to comprehend when or how he had been struck.
Yet at the center of this bloody spectacle, Princess Hui-jeong remained unmoved.
Even as waves of black death surged from all sides, she only curled her lips into a frigid smirk.
"You dare block this princess with such petty tricks?"
Before her words faded, a flash erupted from her waist—
Princess Hui-jeong had drawn her treasured sword.
Shing!
The golden arc carved by her pristine blade was like the first light of dawn tearing through darkness.
It was one of the sword techniques from the Imperial Palace Martial Repository—the Phoenix Sword Dance.
Swish!
Her Sword Strokes were swift yet never reckless, dazzling yet flawless.
Elegantly deflecting the assassins' shadow-like strikes, she moved like a phoenix spreading its wings—
Slash!
—spinning mid-air to draw bloody lines across three assassins' throats.
Splurt!
Blood gushed from their necks.
Their deadly coordination, the Ghost Shadow Killing Technique,
was being dismantled beneath Princess Hui-jeong's blade as easily as a child's play.
Slash! Splurt!
The assassins flitted like phantoms,
but her sword pierced through their hiding spots in an instant, cutting them down without hesitation.
Thud. Thud.
As the storm of blood subsided, silence reclaimed the temple courtyard.
Forty-some assassins lay strewn about as cold corpses,
and at the center stood Princess Hui-jeong, untouched by even a single drop of blood.
Flicking the blood from her blade with a graceful motion, she smiled icily.
"So this is all the Martial World's assassins amount to."
Her martial prowess, honed within the Imperial Palace Secret Repository,
had reached such heights that even seasoned masters of the Martial World stood no chance against her.
'Something's wrong.'
Bu Eun-seol's eyes narrowed to slits as he watched the princess basking arrogantly in her victory.
Even if she was reckless and inexperienced,
why would battle-hardened Embroidered Uniform Guards—
follow the orders of a princess with no Martial World experience and attempt such a reckless frontal assault?
And how could someone like Mo Il-chung, well-versed in the affairs of the Martial World,
fail to detect a poison like Bone-Dissolving Fog mixed into the Death-Point Poison Mist?
Thud. Thud.
Then, with heavy footsteps, a shadow slowly emerged from within the temple.
A grotesquely massive giant, so large he blotted out even the pouring moonlight.