Chapter 229
Baekri Mu-ha.
Thirty years ago, he was a master who appeared in the martial world like a comet.
He successively defeated Bang Geuk, the Mad Demon, one of the Ten Demonic Paragons who had been the strongest of the Demonic Path at the time.
And Baek Chu-su, the Sword Peerless, one of the Three Peerless who had been the strongest of the Righteous Path.
As well as Seok Jo-un, the Northern Hero, one of the Seven Heroes.
His fame, having single-handedly defeated the strongest masters of both the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths in rapid succession, shook the entire world.
But then something bizarre occurred.
Baekri Mu-ha, whose overwhelming skill had earned him the title of the next World's Greatest Martial Artist, suddenly vanished from the martial world as if he had evaporated into thin air.
—Where in the world had he gone?
Countless intelligence organizations and martial factions scrambled to track his whereabouts.
Yet it was as if he had never existed in the first place—no trace of him could be found.
To Baekri Mu-ha, who had appeared out of nowhere and disappeared just as mysteriously, the martial world bestowed the epithets of Murim's Number One Secret, or the First Secret.
"Only Baekri Mu-ha, known as the First Secret, would have been capable of making the Empty-Handed Divine Thief—who was being hunted by both the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths—disappear from the martial world."
'Baekri Mu-ha...'
Bu Eun-seol forcibly steadied his pounding chest.
He didn't understand why merely hearing that name sent ripples through his otherwise tranquil spirit and mind.
"Well, it seems we've strayed from the topic."
Baek Jeon-cheon shook his head and continued speaking.
"At any rate, if we can safely escort him to the Main Hall, this could become a major incident capable of shifting the balance between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths."
Only now did Bu Eun-seol fully grasp why the highest echelons of command—including the Demonic Heavenly Emperor and the Supreme Cult Commander—had convened for this meeting.
"Then the subject of the meeting is clear."
His voice carried profound meaning as he gazed at the distant sky.
"Whether Wi Ji-hye-sang's matter should be treated merely as a successor's duty, or as an affair of the Main Hall."
"Precisely."
Baek Jeon-cheon smiled faintly at Bu Eun-seol's sharp deduction.
"However, this meeting was also convened in part due to your own actions, Vice Chief Bu. After all, you slew one of the Four Gods and Seven Kings."
His eyes held a mixture of admiration and regret.
"Though the Beggars' Sect—no, the Righteous Faction—will undoubtedly go to any lengths to prevent the world from acknowledging that a young master of the Demonic Path, not even twenty years of age, belongs among the Four Gods and Seven Kings. By any means necessary."
"I expected as much."
"Doesn't that disappoint you?"
Baek Jeon-cheon's brow furrowed deeply as he spoke.
"If even a single person had witnessed the duel between you and the Beggar King... the Beggars' Sect would never have dared to resort to such underhanded tactics."
It was strange, truly.
In reality, aside from the members of the Death Shadow Squad, no one in the martial world would believe that Bu Eun-seol had fought the Beggar King alone and emerged victorious.
Yet Baek Jeon-cheon regarded it as entirely natural that Bu Eun-seol had defeated the Beggar King in a fair duel.
"Do you not harbor any doubts, Hall Leader?"
"Doubts?"
"Rumors that I didn't face the Beggar King alone, but instead ambushed him with reinforcements."
"Hahahaha."
Baek Jeon-cheon actually laughed softly.
"Only those who don't know the kind of person you are would say such things."
Then, with absolute conviction in his eyes, he declared:
"Vice Chief Bu would rather take his own life than resort to such dirty tricks to defeat the Beggar King."
A flicker of emotion passed through Bu Eun-seol's cold, indifferent eyes.
There had been no prior interaction or friendship between the two men.
Yet Baek Jeon-cheon understood him as truly as an old friend would.
"There's no need to look at me like that. Anyone who has met you would know the same."
Before he realized it, the two of them were standing before a building at the far end of the East Gate.
Bu Eun-seol halted abruptly, his expression puzzled.
Originally, this had been nothing more than an empty, barren field.
Since when had such a large-scale structure been erected here?
Moreover, high walls surrounded it, making it resemble a grand manor.
"This is the new home of the Death Shadow Squad."
Upon entering, a vast training ground came into view, and beside it, a kitchen with its doors wide open.
From the cooks outside washing vegetables or scrubbing dishes, it seemed this was a dining hall capable of feeding large numbers of people at once.
'Everything is brand new.'
The interior buildings and training grounds had clearly been constructed very recently.
Could it be that the Demonic Heavenly Emperor had anticipated Bu Eun-seol's success in slaying the Beggar King and prepared this new building in advance?
'Impossible.'
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
Though he had devised a meticulous plan, killing the Beggar King had been close to a stroke of luck.
What if he hadn't encountered Gwang-yeon or the Eighteen Arhats?
And what if, due to the Emotion Severing Secret Art's influence, he hadn't been able to repeatedly unleash the Willful True Binding after falling into the Inner Demon...?
His body would have been buried not in the Demon Hall, but in the cold earth.
'The timing must have been coincidental.'
No matter how formidable the Demonic Heavenly Emperor was, it was difficult to believe he could have foreseen such an outcome.
Just as Bu Eun-seol was inwardly shaking his head, Baek Jeon-cheon spoke with a smile.
"Normally, high-level council meetings continue for several days straight. Deputy Unit Leader, you should rest in your quarters and recover from your fatigue in the meantime."
"Thank you."
Bu Eun-seol bowed his head deeply, more than was necessary.
In the ruthless world of Murim, those who extended such unconditional goodwill were rare.
And for such a person to hold a high position within the Demon Hall was even more extraordinary.
"No need for formalities. Ah, one more thing..."
Just as he turned to leave, Baek Jeon-cheon lowered his voice.
"The Hyeokryeon Hall Master, who had been stationed Beyond the Pass, is currently returning to the Main Hall. The Supreme Cult Commander issued the recall order."
Then, with a faint smile, he added,
"If the opportunity arises, I hope you will make sure to meet the Hyeokryeon Hall Master."
Meeting Hyeokryeon Eung was something Bu Eun-seol also desired.
"I will make certain to do so."
"Good, then."
With another slight smile, Baek Jeon-cheon turned away.
Bu Eun-seol surveyed the manor's interior once more.
It was furnished with a separate dining hall and even had a training ground installed—by facility standards alone, this was the finest treatment among Second-Tier units.
Thud, thud.
Just then, dozens of figures emerged from the bamboo grove behind the manor.
They were none other than the Death Shadow Squad members.
"The Unit Leader has arrived!"
At the front, Won Se-mun, drenched in sweat, shouted loudly.
Rustle—
The rest of the squad members behind him all rushed forward at once.
"Unit Leader!"
Their bodies glistened with sweat. Clearly, they had been training in the bamboo grove, practicing Qi Circulation and martial drills.
They were now pushing themselves to the limit in martial training without needing to be ordered.
—If they don't... they won't survive under the Unit Leader.
Bu Eun-seol always faced opponents stronger than himself, engaging in life-or-death battles.
Because of this, the Death Shadow Squad trained relentlessly, ensuring they could complete their missions and survive no matter the circumstances.
"Where are the rest of the squad?"
Only the members of the First Squad, led by Won Se-mun, stood before Bu Eun-seol.
"The Second and Third Squads are still practicing Qi Circulation in the bamboo grove. The Vice Chief is training separately."
"Why aren't you using the perfectly good training ground?"
"We only use it for Qi Circulation. Occasionally, other units might see us..."
The Death Shadow Squad had undergone brutal training to face the Beggar King's unit.
Not only that, but under Bu Eun-seol's orders, they had also trained by observing others' martial techniques, refining their insights and comprehension.
As a result, they had developed a habit of never revealing their Qi Circulation practice to outsiders.
"What about Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Won Se-mun scratched his head.
"I'm not sure. Aside from returning to their quarters, they don't really spend time with the squad members."
"Hm."
Bu Eun-seol let out a low hum.
The two were, after all, former Ten Demonic Heirs.
Though they had grown closer to the Death Shadow Squad over time, now that they had returned to the Demon Hall, they must have acutely felt their own precarious position.
'I should deal with that matter soon.'
Recalling their faces, Bu Eun-seol gave a slight nod.
The next day.
As Bu Eun-seol was practicing Qi Circulation in his quarters, a soft voice called from outside his door.
"Unit Leader. A martial envoy from the Singular Light Pavilion requests your presence."
Opening his eyes, Bu Eun-seol stepped outside and saw a familiar face—Wi Chung, the martial envoy who had guided him to the Singular Light Pavilion when the successor candidates had first gathered.
"Martial Envoy Wi Chung of the Singular Light Pavilion greets the Death Shadow Squad Leader."
"What is the matter?"
"The Supreme Cult Commander summons you."
'Not the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, but the Supreme Cult Commander.'
Bu Eun-seol's gaze turned distant as he studied Wi Chung.
Ever since his return to the Demon Hall, he had been anticipating a private audience with the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
Through his life-and-death struggle with the Beggar King, through the near-fatal encounter with Langya Pavilion's lord, Ak Mu-ryeong...
Only one question had remained in Bu Eun-seol's mind all this time:
—Why is the Demonic Heavenly Emperor watching me?
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor had treated him with subtle favor.
Only now did Bu Eun-seol realize it wasn't merely due to his exceptional talent. He sensed there was a hidden intention behind it.
But whether it was due to urgent matters requiring attention or to maintain fairness in the upcoming successor selection...
Despite having slain a figure as formidable as the Beggar King, despite surviving Ak Mu-ryeong's wrath—
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor had yet to summon him.
"Unit Leader."
Lost in thought, Bu Eun-seol only snapped back to attention at Wi Chung's call and gave a nod.
"I will go at once."
Singular Light Pavilion, Yeop Hyo-cheon's office.
"Commander of the Death Shadow Squad, Bu Eun-seol, reporting."
When Bu Eun-seol announced his presence, Yeop Hyo-cheon's low voice responded from within.
"Enter."
Though clearly no one was present, the door slid open as naturally as if someone had pulled it for him.
For the office of the second most powerful figure in the Demon Hall, it was surprisingly austere.
Bookshelves crammed with volumes lined one side of the office, while a table and chairs for meetings occupied another.
In other words, apart from these few furnishings, the vast space remained mostly empty.
Hmm.
The moment he stepped inside, Bu Eun-seol felt something peculiar.
The emptiness of the office stirred an inexplicable urge in him—a desire to spill every thought weighing on his mind.
Even this emptiness must be intentional.
The placement of the sparse furnishings and the vast blank spaces were imbued with profound meaning.
Thud. Thud.
As he walked further in, he spotted an elderly man seated at the table.
His frame was slight, his features utterly unremarkable.
Yet this was none other than the Dark King, Yeop Hyo-cheon—the most fearsome among the Four Gods and Seven Kings.
Bu Eun-seol approached and respectfully clasped his hands.
"Commander Bu Eun-seol of the Death Shadow Squad greets the Supreme Cult Commander."
"You've worked hard."
Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled kindly.
"Under normal circumstances, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor would have commended you himself, but the situation in the Main Hall is... complicated at the moment."
Rising from his seat, Yeop Hyo-cheon gestured to the opposite side of the table.
"I've heard the gist from the head of the Myriad Learning Society, but... take a seat."
Despite standing at the pinnacle of power, he carried no air of superiority, treating subordinates with ease.
The Supreme Cult Commander deliberately suppresses his aura and majesty.
Masters of Yeop Hyo-cheon's caliber naturally exude overwhelming presence and authority.
Yet not a wisp of his power leaked out—making the depths of his hidden strength utterly unfathomable.
Swish.
As Bu Eun-seol sat, Yeop Hyo-cheon spoke.
"The missions assigned this time were tasks even the Main Hall would have struggled to resolve."
He let out a sigh before continuing.
"No one expected you to complete them so swiftly."
"Is there a problem?"
"Not a problem, but a difficult choice."
Yeop Hyo-cheon exhaled a weary breath, his voice low.
"The Supreme Spirit Immortal Fruit can heal any case of Severed Meridians. But the demonic path has no shortage of prodigies afflicted with such conditions, does it?"
"That's true."
"Yet the more pressing matter concerns the Empty-Handed Divine Thief. The Main Hall had long given up pursuing him... but now the successor of the Fire Rain Sword Sect has caught his trail."
Folding his arms, Yeop Hyo-cheon shook his head.
"Under these circumstances, the proper course would be for the Main Hall to join forces with the Fire Rain Sword Sect and capture him. But doing so would throw the successor selection into chaos."
Only then did Bu Eun-seol grasp the full picture.
Capturing the Empty-Handed Divine Thief had been a long-cherished goal of the Demon Hall.
But now that Wi Ji-hye-sang had tracked him down, the leadership was debating whether to intervene in the successor competition to assist him with full force.
"So what was the outcome?"
"To put it simply, we've decided to wait a little longer."
Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled thinly.
"After all, the missions of the Fire Rain Sword Sect, the Ultimate Assassin Pavilion, and the Extinction Palace successors remain incomplete."
Only Bu Eun-seol and Do Cheon-rin had fully accomplished their tasks.
Wi Ji-hye-sang had only caught the Divine Thief's trail—not yet secured his capture. And Yong Jeok-bi and Sindo Un-hwi had yet to produce results.
With no clear conclusion, the Demon Hall had opted to wait.
"Regardless, you must be rewarded for eliminating the Beggar King."
Yeop Hyo-cheon's voice softened.
"The Demonic Heavenly Emperor has granted me full authority in this matter... so speak your wish."
Bu Eun-seol found the offer strange.
Normally, rewards were decided by the high command after deliberation.
Yet both the Demonic Heavenly Emperor and the Supreme Cult Commander always asked him directly what he desired.
As if they already know exactly what I want.
Bu Eun-seol exhaled quietly.
Though his martial prowess had grown immensely, he still couldn't fathom the intentions of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor or the Supreme Cult Commander.
—No one can read his mind. No one knows what he plans.
Not long ago, Deputy Pavilion Master Dan Cheong had described the Demonic Heavenly Emperor this way. And Bu Eun-seol wholeheartedly agreed.
"Don't hold back. Speak freely."
At Yeop Hyo-cheon's urging, Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
The successor position remained undecided, but he was already riding the tiger's back. Having come this far, he had no choice but to climb higher.
"I wish to expand my unit's size further."
With utmost solemnity, Bu Eun-seol made his request.
"Grant me the formal rank of Second-Grade Commander."