Chapter 203
In that instant, all the Rootless Squad members prostrated behind Bu Eun-seol trembled faintly.
For Bu Eun-seol, a successor candidate, to deliberately seek the official position of a Demon Hall unit commander—
Wasn't that tantamount to demanding that the Rootless Squad be recognized as a formal corps?
"..."
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor, who had been staring fixedly down at Bu Eun-seol, turned his head slightly and gave Yeop Hyo-cheon a faint nod.
At that, Jin Seol and the attendants standing behind Yeop Hyo-cheon stepped forward, carrying a single box as they slowly descended the platform.
Before anyone realized it, Jin Seol had approached Bu Eun-seol and opened the box handed to her by the attendants.
Click.
Inside, a command plaque wrapped in crimson silk shimmered with iridescent light. At its center, the characters for Death Shadow were engraved.
As Bu Eun-seol gazed at the plaque, his chest grew cold.
No matter how profound the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's powers and martial arts were, crafting such a plaque in an instant was impossible.
In other words, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor had predicted that Bu Eun-seol, upon succeeding in his mission, would demand the official position of unit commander for the Rootless Squad.
'It must be one of two things.'
Bu Eun-seol pondered.
Either the Demonic Heavenly Emperor had calculated and anticipated his every move... or there had been someone who had meticulously reported every detail of Bu Eun-seol's actions in the Martial World.
'It doesn't matter.'
Bu Eun-seol brushed the thought aside.
Now was not the time to dwell on such things.
Behind him, the Rootless Squad members—no, the Death Shadow Squad members—radiated scorching heat with their fervent aspirations. He had to grasp that fervor firmly with both hands.
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor, still looking down at Bu Eun-seol, spoke softly.
"I heard you annihilated the Demon Rebel Gate in secrecy and silence."
The Rootless Squad members had crushed the Demon Rebel Gate's elite forces in a single stroke, yet their identities remained hidden.
In the Martial World, rumors spread that the Demon Hall had dispatched "shadows who deliver death in silence."
As this reputation grew, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor bestowed upon them the name Death Shadow Squad.
"Bu Eun-seol, disciple of Langya Pavilion."
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor regarded him impassively as he spoke.
"In recognition of your merit in eliminating the Demon Rebel Gate, I hereby appoint you as the commander of the Death Shadow Squad, a Third-grade corps of the Main Hall."
Instantly, the lips of the Demon Hall's assembled unit commanders curled with sneers.
—So it's just a Third-grade corps after all.
The Demon Hall's corps were divided into First, Second, and Third grades.
First-grade corps answered only to their direct superiors and could undertake independent missions at will.
Second-grade corps had the right to voice opinions and exercise discretion in missions.
And Third-grade corps? They were bound to obey orders from above with absolute compliance.
"However, while carrying out missions related to your status as a successor candidate..."
Then, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor continued.
"I will permit you to undertake independent missions at your discretion."
In that moment, the eyes of the standing unit commanders bulged wide.
Though nominally a Third-grade corps, this was effectively granting Bu Eun-seol the authority of a First-grade corps.
—That whelp is being allowed to conduct independent missions?
—Only for successor-related tasks, though.
—Ah, I see. If he fails to ascend as successor, he'll be discarded like a squeezed-out rag.
Whether the unit commanders whispered among themselves via voice transmission or not,
"I accept this command."
Bu Eun-seol bowed his head and received the plaque with solemn reverence.
Several days later, within the Demon Hall.
A group of forty martial artists marched in strict formation toward the heart of the Demon Hall.
Their plain gray uniforms bore the character for Absolute on their backs, and at their waists hung scabbards and swords marked with a crimson line.
They were none other than the members of the Life-Reaping Squad.
Thud. Thud.
Yet, approaching from the opposite direction was a group of thirty.
Dressed in luxurious uniforms that gleamed with luster, they carried an eclectic assortment of weapons.
Their gait was far too unrestrained for martial artists of the Demon Hall—some even chatted idly with their comrades.
It was a sight unimaginable in the Demon Hall, where solemnity and discipline were paramount.
They were the Death Shadow Squad members under Bu Eun-seol's command.
—As long as you don't disrupt the chain of command, do as you please.
Upon entering the Demon Hall, Bu Eun-seol had given them this order.
—Your individuality is your weapon, and that will become my strength.
Even as he recognized them as formal unit members, Bu Eun-seol acknowledged their individuality.
He had discerned that they performed at their best in an atmosphere of freedom.
Perhaps this was a minor command in the grand scheme. Yet they obeyed as if it were a sacred decree.
Before anyone realized it, they had become loyal subordinates who carried out Bu Eun-seol's orders with unwavering dedication.
"Pathetic fools."
Watching them walk like a disorderly gang rather than in formation, Gok Jin-dong, commander of the Life-Reaping Squad, muttered under his breath.
"Lucky bastards, strutting around in fancy uniforms just because they got promoted to full-fledged unit members."
Every member of the Death Shadow Squad possessed not only profound internal energy but also keen hearing.
Though Gok Jin-dong had spoken in a low voice, there was no way they hadn't caught his words.
"Oh? Who do we have here? If it isn't the Death Squad Commander himself?"
"What the—?"
Won Se-mun, who had been swaggering at the front of the group, playfully waved both hands in mock greeting. Gok Jin-dong's eyes bulged.
"Have you lost your damn mind?"
"'You'?!"
"You dare play games with me, a full commander, when you're nothing but a mere unit member?"
At that, Jo Nam-cheon, standing nearby, let out a snicker and chimed in.
"Seems the Commander doesn't even like being greeted, huh?"
"What did you just say?!"
"All Won Se-mun did was clasp his hands together to welcome you, didn't he?"
"You call that grinning like a fool a proper greeting?!"
"Well then, should we cry while greeting you instead? Would that make you happier?"
"Hmph."
For a moment, Gok Jin-dong was at a loss for words. Then, as if recalling something, he smirked darkly.
"Arrogant brats. Enjoy it while it lasts."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Sure, your commander was officially appointed, but in reality, he's still just a successor candidate, isn't he? If your precious commander fails and gets knocked out of the running... you lot will be right back to eating scraps. Heh heh heh."
Though Bu Eun-seol held the title of an official Demon Hall commander, it was only by virtue of his status as a successor candidate.
In other words, his position had been granted by the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's direct intervention, bypassing the usual hierarchy.
Hadn't his authority to undertake independent missions been strictly tied to his role as a successor candidate?
What if Bu Eun-seol failed to become the heir in the future? The Death Shadow Squad would be reduced to leftovers once again.
"You worry about the strangest things."
Wi Cheon-gyeong, his bangs covering his forehead, brushed past Gok Jin-dong as he spoke.
"Our commander doesn't need to become the Main Hall's successor—he's already the rightful heir of one of the Demonic Path Ten Gates. You should be more concerned about keeping your own position intact, Commander Gok."
"Keeping my position?! You damn Rootless Squad brat—!"
"We're not the Rootless Squad. We're the Death Shadow Squad, Commander Gok."
From behind his bangs, Wi Cheon-gyeong's pupils flashed with a sinister yellow light, like crackling lightning.
"You couldn't have missed our commander receiving the Command Plaque just days ago... unless you're outright rejecting the title bestowed by the Demonic Heavenly Emperor himself?"
At those words, Gok Jin-dong's face darkened, and he hastily shook his head.
"N-No, of course not! I would never dare imply such a thing!"
The name "Death Shadow Squad" had been personally granted by the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
If word got out that he had dismissed it, he could be charged with disrespect and punished by the Law Hall.
"What I said earlier was a mistake. Forget it."
Sweating coldly, Gok Jin-dong waved his hand dismissively. Jo Nam-cheon grinned and clasped his hands together in an exaggeratedly polite gesture.
"Commander, you really ought to be more careful with your words from now on."
With a snicker, he turned away, and the rest of the squad members followed, smirking as they strode off.
—Heh heh heh!
The corners of their mouths were stretched wide with barely contained laughter as they walked away.
—Did we just put that bastard Death Squad Commander in his place?!
—This is why you gotta climb the ranks, man!
—We're set for life now that we're under a commander like ours.
These were men who had endured nothing but contempt until now.
To see the very thorn in their side—the Death Squad Commander—humiliated and unable to retaliate?
—Ahahaha!
For the first time, they reveled in the soaring weight of their newfound status.
The Demon Hall housed countless elite units, but their standing and privileges varied greatly.
For example, the three supreme units—Heavenly Slayer, Dark Heaven, and Soul Annihilation Corps—each had their own private living quarters and personal attendants to handle their meals.
Meanwhile, lower-tier units shared communal barracks within the Demon Hall and ate in the common dining halls.
From that perspective, the Death Shadow Squad was receiving remarkably favorable treatment.
They had been granted their own dedicated barracks, complete with a small training ground out front and even a modest office for Bu Eun-seol.
"See, this is why you've gotta hitch your wagon to the right star."
Jo Nam-cheon let out an impressed whistle as he watched workers carefully replacing the signboard outside their new quarters.
"Only possible because the Demonic Heavenly Emperor appointed our commander directly."
Beside him, Wi Cheon-gyeong shook his head.
"Still, it's odd. Normally, when a new unit is formed, they build a new facility. Why give us the old barracks the Demon Shadow Squad used?"
Jo Nam-cheon stroked his chin thoughtfully before answering with uncharacteristic seriousness.
"Well, our commander's destined to become the Demon Hall's successor anyway, right? Once that happens, our status will change again. This is probably just temporary until then."
Wi Cheon-gyeong didn't reply—he simply smiled.
Deep down, he believed it too.
That Bu Eun-seol would undoubtedly become the Demon Hall's heir.
And that they, too, would spread their wings and soar even higher.
"Hmph, why don't you just sing praises to our Captain outright?"
Won Se-mun, who had been directing the squad members' saber techniques in the training grounds, snorted with derision.
"To be fair, the Life Ending Squad Captain wasn't entirely wrong."
"What do you mean?"
When Jo Nam-cheon pressed him, Won Se-mun furrowed his brow.
"What if the Captain fails to become the heir? Will he remain as the Demon Hall's Captain? Of course not—he'd return to Langya Pavilion."
At that, Jo Nam-cheon's expression darkened.
Though Bu Eun-seol was the Demon Hall's Captain, he was, above all, the rightful successor of Langya Pavilion. If he didn't become the heir, there would be no reason for him to stay in the Demon Hall.
"Won Se-mun. You still haven't shed that rebellious streak of yours."
Just as Wi Cheon-gyeong sighed while watching this unfold—
Creak.
The office door opened, and Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin stepped outside.
Jo Nam-cheon and Wi Cheon-gyeong immediately clasped their hands in salute, but—
"Captain. You're here?"
Before they knew it, Won Se-mun had scurried forward, hands respectfully folded.
"I've already taught all the squad members saber techniques and finished their stance training."
"You've worked hard."
As Bu Eun-seol nodded, Won Se-mun vigorously rubbed his clasped hands together.
"Worked hard? Isn't this all for the sake of our Captain and my own success? Hahaha!"
—That damn bastard...
Jo Nam-cheon and Wi Cheon-gyeong's eyes darkened sharply as they watched.
Just moments ago, he had been pointing out the uncertainty of Bu Eun-seol's future, and now he was groveling like he'd lick the ground clean.
"Squad Leader. You weren't wrong earlier. About the Captain's position in the heir selection—"
Han So-ung, who had approached unnoticed, opened his mouth with a displeased expression—
"Shut up!"
Won Se-mun swiftly stretched Han So-ung's puffed-up cheeks with both hands, pulling them left and right with full force.
"The Captain has a great task ahead! Don't upset him with pointless talk!"
"..."
At his shameless attitude, not only the First Squad leaders but all the squad members' faces darkened.
Thud. Thud.
Just then, a martial artist clad in plain black training robes slowly approached Bu Eun-seol and clasped his hands.
"Warrior Wi Chung of the Singular Light Pavilion greets the Captain."
"What is it?"
"All heir candidates have gathered. Deputy Captain Bu is summoned to the Singular Light Pavilion."
"Understood."
Bu Eun-seol nodded, then retrieved a martial arts manual from his sleeve and handed it to Won Se-mun.
"What's this?"
"The demonic arts of Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying demonic arts. Since the First Squad members must lead the frontlines in battle."
"You've gone and used another secret manual on us?"
As Won Se-mun grinned broadly, Bu Eun-seol replied coldly,
"Don't celebrate yet. Anyone who fails to master this art to at least the Third Achievement Level within a month will be stripped of their position in the Death Shadow Squad."
Instantly, the relaxed postures of the First Squad members stiffened.
—If you don't master this art to the Third Achievement Level within a month, you'll lose your place in the Death Shadow Squad.
That was what Bu Eun-seol was declaring.
"I'll be heading to the Singular Light Pavilion. Train diligently from now on."
Then, with Hyeok So-jin, he followed the Singular Light Pavilion warrior out of the Death Shadow Pavilion.
A silence as heavy as death settled.
The squad members, who had been brimming with laughter moments ago, now burned with renewed intensity in their eyes.
Bu Eun-seol hadn't just given them sweet rewards.
He had made it clear—only those who never grew complacent, who pushed themselves relentlessly, could remain in the Death Shadow Squad.
Only those who never stopped striving.
Only such people could stand by Bu Eun-seol's side.
Crunch. Crunch.
Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin followed the Singular Light Pavilion warrior past the halls, heading toward the heart of the Demon Hall.
—All heir candidates of the Demon Hall must gather at the main hall by the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Not long ago, the order had come from Yeop Hyo-cheon, the Supreme Cult Commander of the Demon Hall, one of the Four Gods and Seven Kings, known as the King Who Rules the Darkness.
And to fulfill that solemn command, the heir candidates of the Demonic Path Ten Gates had now gathered in one place.
"Brother Bu. Have you heard?"
Hyeok So-jin, walking beside him, spoke in a low voice.
"Word is, the successors of White Horse Monastery, Hell Blood Citadel, and the Death Command Gate have been excluded from the heir selection."
It wasn't surprising.
Those three sects had all attacked Bu Eun-seol—and each had been forced to swallow bitter defeat.
In short, their plans to overwhelm Bu Eun-seol through sheer numbers had failed, one after another.
The Demon Hall likely considered such failures a disqualification for heir candidacy.
"I see."
Nodding, Bu Eun-seol continued walking until a crescent moon-shaped pavilion slowly came into view.
The Singular Light Pavilion.
The place where he had first met the Supreme Cult Commander and received the order to eliminate the Great Righteous Experts.
Now, as the Demon Hall's official Captain, he had returned.
And inside awaited—
The Fire Rain Sword Sect.
The Bloodflame Blade Family.
The Ultimate Assassin Pavilion.
The Extinction Palace.
All the heir candidates of the Demon Hall who would now compete against Bu Eun-seol.