Chapter 1268
The air inside the Hidden Demon Pavilion lay heavy and oppressive.
When Bu Eun-seol returned from Tibet with a grim expression after visiting Heuk-pyo, the lords immediately sensed that something was amiss.
Yet Bu Eun-seol said nothing further and retreated into his office, burying himself in work once more.
Swish, swish.
The lamplight refused to dim even as the night deepened.
A mountain of documents requiring his attention piled high on his desk, and he processed them in a relentless daze.
After all, when the body grows weary, the heart's anguish dulls as well.
Swish, swish.
Only the sound of his brush gliding across paper disturbed the silence.
If he paused even for a moment, Heuk-pyo's face would rise before his eyes like ink spreading across pitch-black darkness.
"Heuk-pyo."
A sigh escaped him before he could stop it.
He had accomplished countless feats that he himself had thought impossible.
But this time, the tangled threads of the matter left him utterly at a loss.
"He meant it."
His phoenix-like eyes narrowed to slits.
He had long laid out the Grand Design to bring down the Empress Dowager, and now it was nearing completion.
Yet never in his wildest dreams had he anticipated that Heuk-pyo would genuinely fall in love with So-so.
'Was it inevitable?'
So-so's beauty was such that even he had to admit it was breathtaking.
Moreover, Heuk-pyo was kind-hearted and sincere—if he believed she had shown him true affection, he would have opened his heart to her without hesitation.
In such a situation...
No matter how much Heuk-pyo was like a younger brother to him, he couldn't force him to love or hate anyone.
And so, as he drowned himself in work for half a month, a peculiar report arrived through the Death Soul Squad.
―Lately, martial artists have been secretly murdered.
Though the public remains unaware...
Martial artists are being killed without reason, their lives snuffed out by unknown assailants.
Had the victims been prominent figures from major sects, it would have caused an uproar.
But most were low-ranking disciples who had never distinguished themselves—or even nameless nobodies who had yet to make a name for themselves.
Thus, the matter had yet to become a major topic of discussion.
―At first, we assumed it was personal grudges or crimes of passion...
But as days pass, martial artists are dying without reason, without evidence—something is deeply wrong.
According to the Death Soul Squad's investigation...
The deceased had been found as cold corpses, unable to even scream.
"This situation..."
Bu Eun-seol set down the report and furrowed his brow.
"Something is definitely off."
The crime scenes bore no traces, no clues whatsoever.
Faced with such a report, Bu Eun-seol had two options.
One—monitor the situation and order investigations only when unusual patterns emerged, as he had been doing.
Two—judge this as the precursor to something far greater and deploy the Death Soul Squad's elite forces to uncover the truth in one swift strike.
Under normal circumstances, he would have chosen the former.
This was neither an incident significant enough to shake the martial world nor related to the ongoing Grand Design.
Swish, swish.
Bu Eun-seol picked up his brush and began drafting orders.
His instincts told him this was the harbinger of something massive. He decided to commit the Death Soul Squad's full strength to uncovering the evidence.
A month passed.
The absurd rumors that had swirled around Bu Eun-seol gradually died down.
Having sorted through his complicated emotions, he threw himself back into his duties.
"It's No Trace."
A low voice announced the visitor as the door opened.
A tall, pale-skinned man entered and bowed respectfully.
No Trace, the Death Soul Squad's chief.
His face had grown gaunt from tirelessly managing the ever-expanding organization.
Even if he had ten bodies, it wouldn't be enough—there was simply no time for him to regain any weight.
"I have a report."
Bu Eun-seol nodded but frowned in puzzlement.
"Why come yourself during such a busy time?"
No Trace only appeared at the Hidden Demon Pavilion during the Lord's Meeting. Most reports were delivered through Wi Cheon-gyeong or Yu Un-ryong.
So why had he rushed here in person?
"I felt it necessary to deliver this myself."
No Trace swallowed dryly and retrieved a letter from his sleeve, placing it on the table.
"As you commanded, we mobilized the Death Soul Squad's entire intelligence network to analyze the traces left on the bodies of the murdered martial artists and their methods of execution."
He lowered his gaze as he continued.
"The reason no traces were left... is that every single victim died without even realizing their Death Point had been struck."
At those words, the corner of Bu Eun-seol's eye twitched, and a chill crept up his spine.
To strike a Death Point without the victim sensing it required nothing short of transcendent Movement Technique.
And to his knowledge...
The number of individuals capable of moving at speeds imperceptible to martial artists could be counted on one hand.
As for someone No Trace would hesitate to name—there was only one in all the world.
"Heuk-pyo."
"Correct."
No Trace hesitated briefly before speaking with grim resolve.
"The Wandering King... It seems he was the one who eliminated them."
In an instant, the office air froze solid.
"Probability?"
"Over seventy percent."
The Death Soul Squad never made absolute claims—even the most certain matters were assigned the lowest possible probability.
Yet a seventy percent likelihood was as good as confirmation.
'So the very thing I feared has come to pass.'
That lone wolf of a man—
To think he'd lose all judgment, entangled in a woman's skirts under the guise of love?
'He spoke of leaving the Martial World behind.'
Deliberately retreating to a remote mountain village to avoid the storms of the martial world, yet—
Why would he suddenly return to the Central Plains and begin slaughtering martial artists?
"This matter."
Bu Eun-seol spoke in a low voice, emerging from deep contemplation.
"I will handle it personally."
"Understood."
No Trace bowed and withdrew.
Heuk-pyo knew the Death Soul Squad's intelligence network well.
If he truly intended to hide, tracking him would be nearly impossible.
But delivering a message to him was no difficult task for Bu Eun-seol.
Heuk-pyo would undoubtedly be monitoring the Death Soul Squad's communications as well.
With a rustle—
Bu Eun-seol rose from his seat.
He needed immediate confirmation—why was this happening?
Deep in the mountains, where few tread.
In the heart of the bamboo forest, where only the whispering wind and the rustling of leaves rubbing against one another could be heard.
The dense thicket of bamboo, towering as if to pierce the heavens, cast deep shadows even at midday.
The sunlight filtering through the thick green canopy was as cold as a broken blade's edge.
Standing at the center of the grove, Bu Eun-seol surveyed his surroundings.
The message he had discreetly spread through the Death Soul Squad was simple:
He would wait for Heuk-pyo here.
That alone was enough.
Heuk-pyo would come without fail.
When they had last met in Tibet—
Though things between them had been somewhat strained, Bu Eun-seol hadn't been overly concerned.
Though not bound by blood, their bond was as close as brothers—a golden orchid friendship where they would share their lives without hesitation.
No matter what happened, their camaraderie would never waver.
How much time had passed?
Sssss—
Just as the faintest disturbance in the wind brushed against Bu Eun-seol's extrasensory perception—
Gloooom.
The thick darkness before him coalesced, gradually taking human form.
A figure clad head to toe in shadow, as if swallowing even the light itself, exuding an aura that condensed the very air around him.
It was Heuk-pyo.
"......"
Bu Eun-seol's gaze darkened.
The man he had seen in that remote Tibetan mountain hut was gone.
His eyes were sunken, his lips cracked and parched.
The composed, calculating gaze had vanished—
Replaced by the glint of venom and madness, like a wounded beast bleeding in a trap.
"Heuk-pyo."
Bu Eun-seol called his name in a low voice.
"Why."
Then, as if unable to comprehend, he demanded—
"Why are you slaughtering martial artists who've done you no wrong?"
Heuk-pyo's shoulders twitched.
Not from fear or surprise, but from forcibly suppressing the fury threatening to erupt.
"They—"
Heuk-pyo's voice was rough, like steel scraping stone.
"Are the ones who defiled So-so."
"What?"
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
"What are you talking about?"
"She had nightmares. I asked why, but she wouldn't tell me."
Heuk-pyo spoke with his gaze fixed on the ground.
"After much coaxing... she finally confessed. Ever since joining Black Serpent Tower, while carrying out intelligence missions... she suffered unspeakable humiliation at the hands of countless martial artists."
"Unidentified martial artists?"
"All using false identities. Every one of them tied to some faction."
His fists clenched as he spoke through gritted teeth.
"But back then, she was powerless. She swallowed her tears of blood. Those memories haunted her—she couldn't sleep without medicine."
Killing intent seeped into Heuk-pyo's pupils.
"You know how women in intelligence organizations are treated."
Originally, he had planned to leave all martial world grudges behind and live quietly in Tibet with So-so, his beloved wife.
But upon learning of her tormented past, he had returned to the Central Plains to exact bloody vengeance.
"She—"
Bu Eun-seol stared at Heuk-pyo with sorrowful eyes.
"Is using you."
"I know."
"You know?"
"She confessed everything to me."
Agony flickered across Heuk-pyo's face.
"That she approached me deliberately. That every 'chance' encounter was staged—all for revenge."
"This isn't so simple."
Bu Eun-seol took a step forward, his voice icy.
"Investigate again, from the beginning. It's all lies."
"From start to finish, you've done nothing but doubt her, Lord."
Heuk-pyo growled like a beast.
"She bared her darkest secrets to me—everything!"
"Heuk-pyo."
"This is between husband and wife. Interfere no further."
"'Interfere'?"
"Or else—"
Heuk-pyo lifted his head, his voice frigid.
"Will you execute me for killing them?"
Tension split the air between them.
A single bamboo leaf, unable to withstand the pressure, snapped and fell.
"Kill me if you must."
Heuk-pyo's gaze was resolute.
Not a single flinch, even if a blade pressed against his throat.
"How could I?"
Bu Eun-seol exhaled deeply.
Heuk-pyo wasn't merely a subordinate—he was a brother. No, closer than blood.
No matter what, Bu Eun-seol could never raise a hand against him.
"Only that you must not kill martial artists indiscriminately."
"I will handle it as I see fit."
"Heuk-pyo."
"Lord. I beg you one last time with utmost sincerity."
Though his words were polite, Heuk-pyo's voice was ruthlessly cold.
"Do not interfere in my affairs any longer. This is truly the last time."
Whoosh!
In an instant, he vanished into the night.
As Bu Eun-seol stared at the empty space where Heuk-pyo had stood, a profound light flickered in his eyes.
He was young and brimming with confidence—of course he wouldn't listen.
He didn't realize how that venomous woman would ruin his life.
"Everything is my fault."
Even So-so targeting Heuk-pyo was ultimately meant to destroy him.
"...I must resolve this myself."
Never once had he hesitated when he believed something was right.
Even if it earned him someone's hatred.
If it needed to be done, it would be done.
Under Bu Eun-seol's orders,
the Death Soul Squad sprang into action once more.
Their sprawling intelligence network, intricate as a spider's web, churned relentlessly until they finally extracted the information they sought.
Without delay, Bu Eun-seol headed for Tibet.
Crossing treacherous mountain ranges and mist-laden ravines, he finally reached his destination.
Deep in the secluded mountains, beyond an expanse of blue-green forest, stood a shabby hut.
In the peaceful front yard, where only birdsong and rustling wind broke the silence, a woman was working.
Clad in rough hemp clothes, she hung laundry and trimmed wild greens in a corner of the yard.
Her humble attire couldn't conceal her dazzling beauty.
So-so.
Amid the tranquil scenery, she looked as serene as a lone flower blooming in stillness.
But Bu Eun-seol's gaze turned icy.
This entire peaceful scene felt like a nauseating facade.
"Have you come to kill me?"
As if sensing his presence,
So-so set down her basket of greens and lifted her head calmly.
Even as his piercing glare bore into her, her demeanor remained placid as a lake.
She showed no surprise—only the composure of someone who had been waiting.
"You must have confirmed Jade Youth isn't here first."
"Why."
Bu Eun-seol's voice was tight.
"Why Heuk-pyo?"
The question carried layers of meaning.
A faint smile touched So-so's lips—something between mockery and pity.
"Because he's worth it."
"Worth it?"
"The fact that he's the only one who can breach the Martial Soul Lord—a man said to have no weaknesses—isn't that value enough?"
"I see."
Just as he'd expected.
With a deep sigh, Bu Eun-seol slowly raised a finger.
No more words were needed.
This vile woman had to die before she dragged Heuk-pyo deeper into her abyss.
Crack—!
The earth split open. Shadows surged from behind trees as dozens of presences erupted at once.
In an instant, over ten masked figures encircled Bu Eun-seol.
Some wielded swords, others blades, some fought barehanded. Their attire varied, but their eyes shared the same sharpness.
Heuk-pyo's elite Wanderer Unit.
"Turn back."
A man stepped forward.
Streaks of white in his hair, a scar across his face, an eyepatch covering one eye. His voice was hoarse but firm.
"Martial Soul Lord."
Cho Gwang, Vice Chief of the Wanderer Unit.
Bu Eun-seol's gaze shifted past them to So-so, standing behind the group.
Smirk.
She was smiling.
She had anticipated his arrival—and persuaded Heuk-pyo to station these men here in ambush.
"The Chief ordered that no one—not even you, Lord—be permitted to approach the Mistress."
"Letting her live will bring greater calamity."
Bu Eun-seol's tone was resolute.
"That's impossible."
Even if it meant earning Heuk-pyo's lifelong resentment, this woman had to die.
"...Then we have no choice but to offend."
"Do as you must."
"Must it come to this?"
"The moment I stepped foot here, there was no turning back."
At Bu Eun-seol's unwavering words, Cho Gwang exhaled heavily.
Nod.
With a signal from him, his subordinates moved as one.
Shhh—
A low hum vibrated through the air as the sky darkened and the surroundings twisted.
Trees vanished. The hut blurred. Even the ground lost its form.
In its place stretched a space like a star-studded cosmos—or an endless maze within mist.
Mind's Eye Mirror.
Bu Eun-seol had once taught Heuk-pyo the battle formation that materialized a mindscape into reality.
And Heuk-pyo had refined it further before passing it to the Wanderer Unit.
Zing—
A transparent, icy ripple emanated from Bu Eun-seol's body.
Crack—!
A sound like shattering glass echoed as the mindscape dissolved, restoring the real world.
He had deployed the Domain of World and Realm Annihilation.
Cough—!
The Wanderer Unit's masters staggered, blood spilling from their lips.
The abrupt destruction of the Mind's Eye Mirror had injured them internally.
"Stand down. I don't wish to harm you."
Cho Gwang shook his head and drew his weapon.
"That's not possible."
"Must you insist?"
"Our will aligns with the Chief's."
Cho Gwang spoke solemnly.
"Once the attack begins, there's no turning back."
They, too, would stake their lives to fulfill Heuk-pyo's orders.
"Very well. Attack."
As Bu Eun-seol extended his hand,
ten Wanderer Unit members surged forward in perfect unison.
From front to back, left to right, above his head and beneath his feet—there wasn't a single blind spot to be found in this flawless encirclement.
To kill So-so,
he would have no choice but to cut down even these elite warriors of the Wanderer Unit.