Chapter 1205
Yu Un-ryong's mouth fell open, his expression blank.
A private audience with the Emperor was akin to sticking one's head into a tiger's maw.
And yet, in this situation, Bu Eun-seol was smiling so casually?
'There's something more to this.'
Bu Eun-seol wasn't the type to laugh without understanding the situation. Un-ryong instinctively sensed there was an underlying scheme he wasn't privy to.
"What's the reason for this? Explain."
Yu Un-ryong asked, his tone laced with disbelief.
"Since we've already submitted a formal petition following protocol... the Dragon-Phoenix Ring could've just been returned. His Excellency said he'd handle the rest himself."
Rubbing his brow, he continued.
"But now you insist on meeting the Emperor directly? You tried to avoid a private audience at all costs. The moment you step in, the Empress Dowager's intelligence network will catch wind of it."
"I'm aware."
"Why? You've always been reluctant to get entangled in imperial affairs."
The Empress Dowager had long been at odds with the Emperor, weaving connections with countless factions in the martial world.
If Bu Eun-seol met the Emperor now?
No matter how it played out, he would be perceived as having ties to the throne—and the repercussions would be endless.
"Are you underestimating the gravity of imperial matters?"
Yu Un-ryong's expression was graver than ever.
It was true that Bu Eun-seol had resolved countless crises in the Martial World through his exceptional intellect and martial prowess.
But the imperial court was different.
Before the absolute authority of the Emperor, there were things that neither wit nor martial skill could overcome.
"Even if this isn't an official decree, it's still the Emperor's command. Once an order is given, it cannot be undone."
Even if Bu Eun-seol possessed the power to shake the world, he couldn't openly defy an imperial edict.
Now, his journey to the Imperial Palace had become an inevitability.
"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you earlier."
Bu Eun-seol answered calmly.
"My mind has changed. Because of this matter."
The Dragon-Phoenix Ring given by Princess Hui-jeong—
He had initially believed it to be shackles meant to bind him within the imperial court's grasp, a political ploy to exploit the power of the Death Shadow War Unit.
That was why he had respectfully submitted a petition stating he dared not accept it, intending to sever ties there.
But as he unraveled the memories embedded within the True Demon's Corpse, he realized the Dragon-Phoenix Ring was a treasure he desperately needed.
In the end, he completely revised the contents of his petition. And the Emperor, wishing to hear his answer in person, summoned him.
"Your mind changed? Do you truly intend to become a royal son-in-law?"
"That's not it. I simply mean this Dragon-Phoenix Ring isn't something I can return."
He glanced down at the Dragon-Phoenix Ring coiled around his wrist.
The intricately carved dragon and phoenix, each biting the other's tail—
Now, to contain the Nine Heavens Radiant Cloud, it had transformed into something resembling a dark steel gauntlet.
This treasure was no longer a shackle constricting his path, but rather an inescapable fate.
"Why can't you return it?"
"There are things I didn't mention in the meeting. I was planning to tell you separately anyway."
Yu Un-ryong wasn't just a friend—he was a partner and core figure who schemed and led alongside him in the Grand Design.
Even to Seo Jin-ha, his shadow, Bu Eun-seol kept certain secrets. But to Yu Un-ryong alone, he shared everything.
"Something you couldn't say?"
"Thanks to this Dragon-Phoenix Ring, I was able to safely protect the Nine Heavens Radiant Cloud and access the memories within the True Demon's Corpse."
Bu Eun-seol explained in detail how, through the Dragon-Phoenix Ring fused with the Nine Heavens Radiant Cloud, he had not only advanced his martial arts—
But also experienced events from the past in India, even experiencing Pa Hon's past.
"...So something like that happened again."
Unconsciously, Yu Un-ryong had said 'again.' His pupils lost focus, just as they had when he witnessed the Chain of Reincarnation spring forth from Bu Eun-seol's hand not long ago.
"I thought there was nothing left that could surprise me."
Yu Un-ryong pressed a hand to his forehead and shook his head.
Every step Bu Eun-seol had taken so far was intertwined with the legends of the Martial World.
The things he experienced could hardly be described as anything less than myth.
Yu Un-ryong had been confident nothing could shock him anymore—
And yet, Bu Eun-seol had returned from yet another ordeal that defied all reason.
"...Fine."
Yu Un-ryong let out a resigned smile.
"If you say it's like that, then it's like that. Forget the Empress Dowager—of course you have to protect the Dragon-Phoenix Ring."
"Huh?"
Realizing he had misspoken in his astonishment, Yu Un-ryong quickly waved his hands.
"No, never mind."
Then, he retrieved an envelope from his robes.
"His Excellency gave this to me. He said you must read it before entering the Imperial Palace."
Yu Jeong-pung was Yu Un-ryong's father, but more importantly, he was a key figure in the imperial court who had aided Bu Eun-seol multiple times.
Without his help, not only would they have failed to dismantle the Jungson Clan, but Bu Eun-seol's connection with the princess would never have begun.
Nor would obtaining the Dragon-Phoenix Ring have been possible.
"Understood."
Bu Eun-seol smiled.
"And thank you."
It was only because of Yu Un-ryong that he had been able to overcome countless crises and expand the Death Shadow War Unit to this extent.
To Bu Eun-seol, their bond was thicker than blood.
"Don't say that."
Yu Un-ryong shook his head.
"Never again."
Those words carried a meaning similar to what So Ok-rim had said not long ago.
The two were one body.
Expressing gratitude to someone who shared and bore everything with you—another version of yourself—was simply out of place.
"Alright, I understand."
Bu Eun-seol nodded with a faint smile still lingering on his lips.
He had no desire to become a royal son-in-law, but he had to protect the Dragon-Phoenix Ring.
And for the sake of the Grand Design, he would have to face the emperor sooner or later anyway.
Which meant he had to head to the Imperial Palace immediately.
The midday sun blazed brilliantly overhead.
Sunlight shattered against the golden tiles of the palace roofs, casting the massive fortress in a dazzling radiance that emphasized its grandeur.
Bu Eun-seol entered a quiet teahouse near Donghwa Gate—the location Yu Jeong-pung had specified in his letter—and sipped his tea.
Beyond the window, the Imperial Palace loomed like a world entirely separate from the mundane.
Walls towering over three zhang high seemed to sever even the air of the secular world, forming an impenetrable boundary.
The auspicious ornaments adorning the roofs exuded majesty even through their elongated shadows.
The tightly shut gates radiated such oppressive weight that they seemed to forbid even the slightest glance.
Creak.
The teahouse door opened, and a shabbily dressed man slipped inside quietly.
To any observer, he would have appeared no different from a common laborer—save for the sharp glint in his eyes.
The man strolled in with leisurely ease, drank a cup of tea unhurriedly, and then left just as casually.
But before exiting, he tilted his head ever so slightly—a discreet signal meant only for Bu Eun-seol.
A trusted subordinate sent by Yu Jeong-pung.
Swish.
Rising from his seat, Bu Eun-seol stepped outside and silently followed the man.
The man navigated the narrow, winding alleyways with unerring confidence, as if he had memorized every twist and turn of this district.
'Meticulous.'
After walking for some time, the clamor of the bustling marketplace faded into the distance.
Only the musty scent of damp earth and the faint odor of moss brushed against his nose.
A mysterious battle formation had been laid out in the surroundings, and the man was using it to approach the palace.
After rounding a few more bends in the serpentine alley—
At last, a narrow path barely wide enough for two people appeared, leading up to the towering palace walls.
At its end was a small, concealed gate, half-hidden beneath creeping vines.
The man grasped a rusted iron ring and knocked in a predetermined pattern.
With a groaning creak, the gate swung open from within.
The world beyond was entirely different.
The chaos of Chengdu had vanished as if it had never existed, replaced by a chilling breeze and a heavy silence.
'This place—'
The area Bu Eun-seol had entered was not the opulent heart of the palace, lined with magnificent halls, but rather—
A secluded path overgrown with weeds and flanked by dilapidated storehouses.
'A hidden backdoor deliberately arranged by the emperor.'
"Follow closely from here."
Whoosh.
The man channeled his Internal Power and unleashed a Movement Technique, darting forward swiftly.
His legs moved so minimally that he seemed to glide across the ground as if riding clouds.
Just this display of skill alone confirmed he was a Master capable of making a name for himself in the martial world.
'Is it truly acceptable to use Movement Techniques so openly within the Imperial Palace?'
Moving like this would make it nearly impossible to avoid the notice of the palace's elite guards and the imperial sentinels.
'I see.'
Bu Eun-seol realized the hidden figures lurking in the shadows were deliberately ignoring their presence.
Since this was not an official audience, they were likely permitted entry through this route.
The emperor must have already been informed of his arrival.
Tsk tsk tsk.
With his hands clasped behind his back, Bu Eun-seol unfolded an ethereal Movement Technique and followed the man in silence.
Perhaps due to some strange battle formation—
As they advanced, the surroundings darkened abruptly, as if night had fallen, and the palace halls cast long, ink-black shadows.
Finally, the man halted before—
A pavilion with intricately carved railings, leading to a small garden adorned with rugged ornamental stones.
The absence of even a nameplate suggested this was a secretive space reserved for the emperor's private affairs.
Nod.
The man gestured toward the interior with his eyes, then vanished into the darkness like dissipating smoke.
'Hmm.'
Bu Eun-seol steadied his breath for a moment before pushing open the heavy wooden door and stepping inside.
Creak.
The interior was more spacious and silent than expected.
The only illumination came from the faint moonlight filtering through the lattice windows and the flickering lanterns placed in every corner.
The thick fragrance of juniper and the heavy scent of ambergris intertwined, clouding the mind with a hazy intoxication.
At the center of the hall stood a towering altar composed of three tiers, and before it rose an enormous screen that seemed to touch the ceiling.
Embroidered upon the golden silk of the screen,
nine dragons writhed amidst clouds in varying postures, meticulously stitched with golden threads.
Bu Eun-seol's vision was sharp enough to pierce through even the toughest Heavenly Silkworm Silk fabric, yet—
strangely—the space beyond that dragon-adorned screen remained obscured, as if shrouded in thick mist, revealing nothing.
Just then,
the rustle of silk sounded from behind the screen, and a shadow emerged.
To Bu Eun-seol's eyes,
it appeared as though a majestic aura and light were gradually coalescing into human form.
'Is this Dragon Qi?'
The emperor and his bloodline were born with this divine blessing—a unique energy bestowed by the heavens.
Before Dragon Qi, no wicked force could trespass, and even the most potent sorcery would falter.
"This humble subject, Bu Eun-seol, pays his respects to Your Majesty."
Bu Eun-seol knelt on one knee and bowed his head.
By protocol, he should have prostrated himself three times and kowtowed nine times.
But this was a private audience, and he was the Grand Master representing the Demonic Path Murim.
His gesture, though concise, was the utmost reverence he could offer.
"At ease."
The emperor, perhaps understanding his intent, spoke calmly.
"Here, it is only Us and you."
"Your grace overwhelms me."
As Bu Eun-seol rose and lifted his gaze, an exclamation echoed from behind the screen.
Then—
Step. Step.
The emperor slowly emerged from behind the screen.
Gradually, his figure came into view—clad in a relaxed dragon robe embroidered with five-clawed golden dragons.
He appeared to be in his forties,
with a sharp jawline, unfathomably dark eyes, and tightly pressed lips.
With each unhurried step, the very air in the hall seemed to ripple like waves—an illusion born of his overwhelming presence.
This was a majesty unlike any martial master—one that commanded the world itself.
"Hmm."
The emperor exhaled deeply, his face stern as he looked down at Bu Eun-seol.
His gaze was sharp as a blade, yet beneath it swirled a tempest of complex emotions.
"Indeed."
Perhaps it was because Bu Eun-seol's bearing was far more imposing and draconic than expected—
but the emperor's anger vanished without a trace, replaced by an admiring murmur before he spoke in a deep, resonant voice.
"That child always had keen discernment, even in her youth—foresight beyond her years."
That child referred to Princess Hui-jeong.
"Truly, you are worthy of the Dragon-Phoenix Ring."
"I am undeserving of such praise."
"And yet, you refuse to return the Dragon-Phoenix Ring and decline becoming a royal son-in-law?"
"That is..."
"Let Us ask you first."
The emperor's voice lowered.
"Scholar Yu informed Us that you declared your refusal to coexist with the Demon Palace Lord, Sado Mu-myeong. Is this true?"
"It is."
"Why?"
The emperor's gaze sharpened.
"On the surface, he has greatly guided and supported you. Has there been an incident that would warrant such resentment?"
"There has not."
"Then is it his title as the foremost of this era that you covet?"
"No."
The emperor pressed further.
"Then is it because Sado Mu-myeong is an evil man?"
In that instant, countless reasons flashed through Bu Eun-seol's mind.
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor had secretly aligned with Abyssal Forces, attempting to manipulate him like a puppet.
He harbored ambitions to eradicate both the Demonic and Righteous Paths, unifying the Martial World under his rule.
Yet none of these were reasons he could not coexist with him.
On the surface, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor had—
even imparted two of his Secret Arts and Mind-Training Formulas to Bu Eun-seol.
He had been a benefactor, providing trials that allowed Bu Eun-seol to transcend the Demonic Path and become a Grand Master who could command the world.
Though it was out of necessity,
he had never dealt Bu Eun-seol significant harm—even showing mercy when challenged instead of crushing him.
It was undeniable that he had bestowed great favor.
If asked whether the Demonic Heavenly Emperor was evil, the answer was still no.
Though ruthless in battle—sparing no enemy, slaughtering thousands in a single stroke—
he had never struck first.
It was always others who attacked, slandered, or challenged him.
Even if he concealed secrets—such as those regarding Bu Eun-seol's grandfather or the Blood Calamity of the Saha-jang—
hiding truths alone was not reason enough to kill him.
Yet Bu Eun-seol had long resolved—
to settle things with the Demonic Heavenly Emperor in a life-or-death confrontation, declaring to his subordinates that coexistence was impossible.
Why? Why had it come to this?
'Ah.'
After a long silence, Bu Eun-seol finally understood the clear reason.
'Because his very existence is a threat.'
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor was, by his mere presence, an object of unease, terror, and menace.
At any moment, he could slaughter every last member of the Death Shadow War Unit without hesitation.
And if it served his goals... he would sweep away the entire martial world without batting an eye.
An utterly unpredictable, the most dreadful threat under heaven.
That was the Demonic Heavenly Emperor—Sado Mu-myeong.
Then, the Emperor curled his lips in a subtle smile.
"Tell me your clear reason."
Having finished his thoughts, Bu Eun-seol answered calmly.
"The same reason as Your Majesty."
"Hohohoho, indeed."
The Emperor nodded, seemingly satisfied with that answer, and laughed.
"Then speak."
The Emperor's expression was solemn as he spoke in a low voice.
"Instead of the Dragon-Phoenix Ring, tell me what joy you've come to bring me."
'Did he already know?'
There was no negotiating with the Emperor.
No—he was not someone one should negotiate with.
If one dared attempt it, the Emperor would immediately order even the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's head severed.
Yet the Emperor had asked what could bring him joy.
In other words, the Emperor had already surmised that Bu Eun-seol had come with a proposal—
And that this proposal would undoubtedly bring immense benefit to both sides.
"There is a plan I have been preparing for a long time..."
Bu Eun-seol spoke with the Emperor for about an hour.
And from among the schemes he had devised thus far, he selected those that would bring the Emperor the greatest advantage and explained them.
"I see."
The Emperor nodded.
"Indeed, these bring me nothing but gain, with no loss."
Then, decisively, he said:
"Very well. Let it be done."
'As expected.'
Bu Eun-seol gave a faint nod.
Had the Emperor been a petty man who only cared for immediate gains? He would never have accepted this proposal.
Fortunately, the Emperor was exceedingly wise and insightful—a man who could see far into the future.
Though he could not be called a benevolent ruler who thought only of the people's welfare—
There was no denying that he was a brilliant and sagacious sovereign.
"Then shall we first address the most urgent matter?"
The Emperor, wearing an enigmatic smile, continued.
"The matter of the princess—I shall handle it myself. You need not return the Dragon-Phoenix Ring."
"Your grace overwhelms me."
"However, you must be prepared."
A cold light flickered in the Emperor's eyes.
"The Empress Dowager will undoubtedly summon you."
Had Bu Eun-seol wished to refuse the Dragon-Phoenix Ring, a simple memorial would have sufficed—there was no need for a private audience.
But having changed his mind, Bu Eun-seol had deliberately sought this meeting with the Emperor, inevitably drawing the Empress Dowager's attention.
And she... would never let him leave unscathed.
The Emperor's gaze turned icy.
"If you speak as Grand Secretary Yu has written, you will avoid giving her cause for suspicion... but she will doubt you endlessly regardless."
Bu Eun-seol had always strived to avoid entanglement in imperial affairs—and above all, he loathed becoming the Empress Dowager's target.
To be even more blunt, Bu Eun-seol believed the Empress Dowager would be the ultimate victor in this long struggle.
The Emperor was wise, but alas, he had failed to gather outstanding talents to his side.
Of course, Grand Secretary Yu Jeong-pung was attempting to fill that void—
But compared to the Empress Dowager, who had spent years as regent amassing countless talents under her thumb, it was a pitifully lacking effort.
'It was inevitable anyway.'
Some time ago, Bu Eun-seol had sought the imperial family's aid in dealing with the Jungson Clan—
And in repaying that debt, he had assisted Princess Hui-jeong through Yu Jeong-pung's request.
From that moment, he had already been bound to the imperial household...
The princess' gift of the Dragon-Phoenix Ring had merely been a small catalyst.
'Originally, I intended to sever ties completely.'
Bu Eun-seol had been confident that even if the Emperor and Princess Hui-jeong deliberately tried to ensnare him, he could break free.
But upon learning that the Dragon-Phoenix Ring could perfectly preserve the Nine Heavens Radiant Cloud and resist the True Demon's power—
He had concluded that this was a deep karmic bond and completely changed his mind.
'If it was bound to happen anyway, it's better to steer it advantageously.'
"I am prepared."
At Bu Eun-seol's composed reply, the Emperor nodded.
"Originally, I intended to appoint you as Loyalty Captain or Valiant General."
Though these were honorary titles with no real military authority, they would have been fitting honors for Bu Eun-seol's martial prowess and reputation.
"But with the Empress Dowager watching so closely, even positions like Chief of the Imperial Guard or Commander of the Emperor's Escort would be difficult to secure."
"Though I am overwhelmed by your grace..."
As Bu Eun-seol began to speak, the Emperor waved his hand dismissively.
"Will you not be coming and going from the imperial palace from now on? Since I am granting this appointment personally, there is no need for concern."
The Emperor then extended a plaque engraved with countless scales.
"Bu Eun-seol, as of today, I appoint you Commander of the Dragon Scale Guard."
The Dragon Scale Guard was, as the name implied, an elite secret organization that protected the Emperor like the scales of a dragon—
In essence, they were the Emperor's hidden shadows, mobilized for unofficial affairs and covert missions—akin to the Emperor's personal escorts.
As for the command of such a secretive force?
It would unmistakably mark him as the Emperor's closest confidant—while leaving the Empress Dowager no room to object.