Chapter 246
At Bu Eun-seol's words, Yu Un-ryong's gaze turned cold.
"Did you investigate my background?"
"There was no need to investigate. It seems the Demon Hall has been separately managing the personal information of the Ten Demonic Heir from the start."
Bu Eun-seol pushed forward a book lying on the table.
Yu Un-ryong hastily picked it up.
Inside were detailed records of his origins, family circumstances, and even the reason why he—once the scion of an enviable noble family—had chosen to become a Ten Demonic Heir.
"Why do you have this?"
"You are now the officially appointed leader of the Death Shadow Squad under the Demon Hall's payroll, and I am your direct superior."
Yu Un-ryong's stiff expression loosened slightly.
It was only natural for a superior to have access to their subordinate's personal records.
Thud.
As Yu Un-ryong set the book down, his voice turned icy.
"So?"
"You will sit out the Hainan expedition."
At the abrupt command, Yu Un-ryong furrowed his brow.
"You're saying my strength isn't needed?"
"Far from it."
Bu Eun-seol's expression was graver than ever.
"This time, your strength is absolutely indispensable."
Yu Un-ryong frowned.
Bu Eun-seol's speech pattern typically involved stating the most crucial point first before explaining the reasoning.
While this wasn't a bad way to command attention in a conversation, Yu Un-ryong felt so stifled he could barely breathe.
"This may very well be a matter of life and death—not just for me, but for Myo Cheon-u and every single member of the Death Shadow Squad."
Bu Eun-seol continued his explanation calmly.
And Yu Un-ryong listened in silence, his expression more serious than ever.
Hainan Island, Oji Mountains.
Though called a mountain, it was closer to a mountain range formed by multiple peaks.
The area also had numerous caves where the Miao people—cave-dwelling natives—had formed small villages.
Life in the caves might seem impoverished, but it was surprisingly comfortable. Large caves stayed cool in summer and blocked the cold effectively in winter.
Whoooosh—
A dry, biting wind swept across the mountainside.
The usually peaceful atmosphere of the Oji Mountain villages was now thick with unprecedented tension.
Since early morning, dozens of martial artists had poured in, scouring the villages with fire in their eyes.
All of them wore plain black martial uniforms, their gazes sharp and movements swift.
They were the Life-Ending Squad—a second-tier unit of the Demon Hall.
"Seems like there's nothing here."
Just as Gok Jin-dong, the Life-Ending Squad's commander, shook his head and prepared to leave—
Rustle—
Another group of thirty or so martial artists ascended the mountain path.
All of them wore white garments, their sword tassels dyed a deep blue at the waist.
They were the Proper Sword Corps—one of the second-tier sword units of the Martial Alliance.
The villagers trembled in fear as the Demon Hall and Martial Alliance forces faced each other.
The standoff that had begun about a month ago still showed no signs of ending. Worse, the conflict between the two factions had only grown more volatile over time—now at the point where the slightest spark could ignite an explosion.
The villagers knew all too well what would happen if these two forces clashed.
Ssskrrrt—!
The Life-Ending Squad members, who had been searching the village, immediately drew their swords upon seeing the Proper Sword Corps.
"Get lost, you unlucky bastards."
Gok Jin-dong snorted as he glared at the Proper Sword Corps.
"Coming here like a pack of jackals, just because you got your hands on some intel from the Demon Hall."
In response, Gwak Rip, the Proper Sword Corps commander, smirked coldly.
"What does it matter who got the information first?"
"What did you say?"
"As long as the outcome is good, what difference does it make if we were late to the party?"
"Don't make me laugh."
Gok Jin-dong's eyes radiated a murderous chill.
"Are you trying to play word games with me right now?"
"Well, if you're itching for a fight—"
"A fight? No. I'm talking about slaughtering you all."
At Gok Jin-dong's provocation, Gwak Rip's smirk deepened.
"But did you get permission for that? If you overstep, your superiors will bear the full brunt of the consequences."
"What if I just kill you all and bury the evidence?"
"Oh, now that sounds fun. An excellent method, indeed."
As Gwak Rip raised his hand, the Proper Sword Corps members drew their swords in unison.
Ssshhhk—
Just as the two forces were about to engage—
Whoooosh—
With the Sound of Breaking Air, dozens of martial artists descended from the sky.
There were about fifty of them, all clad in the Demon Hall's black uniforms, with a strikingly handsome young man standing at the forefront.
It was Bu Eun-seol and the Death Shadow Squad.
"The Life-Ending Squad, huh."
As Bu Eun-seol muttered, recognizing Gok Jin-dong, Myo Cheon-u beside him spoke up.
"And those are Martial Alliance members, right?"
In that instant, Gwak Rip tensed sharply.
'Was this a trap?'
The sudden appearance of at least fifty fighters—
If they surrounded and attacked now, it would mean total annihilation.
"Damn it! No wonder they were so bold in picking a fight."
As the tense Gwak Rip reached for the signal flare at his waist—
"Clear the way."
Bu Eun-seol gave the order to his unit members.
"Let them pass."
"Wait! What the hell are you saying right now?!"
Gok Jin-dong exploded in anger.
"You're just going to let those Martial Alliance bastards walk free?!"
"We didn't come here to fight them."
"What did you say?!"
"Are you prepared to take full responsibility for this?"
Bu Eun-seol's speaking down to him made Gok Jin-dong bristle.
"Responsibility?! Have you lost your mind? How dare you—"
Jo Nam-cheon sighed and stepped forward.
"Commander Gok. The Death Shadow Squad came here as a First-grade unit."
"What?!"
"Can't you see the insignia on our commander's shoulder?"
Only then did Gok Jin-dong notice the Roc Shoulder Insignia fastened to Bu Eun-seol's shoulder, and his eyes bulged.
Since when had the Death Shadow Squad been promoted to a First-tier unit?!
As he gaped, unable to form a response—
"Go."
Bu Eun-seol gestured for Gwak Rip and the Righteous Sword Squad to leave.
Gwak Rip couldn't make sense of Bu Eun-seol's actions.
But seeing no hostility in his gaze, he respectfully clasped his hands together.
"Then we'll take our leave."
Once Gwak Rip and his squad had departed, Bu Eun-seol turned to Gok Jin-dong.
"Where is the Heavenly Slaughter Unit Commander?"
Gok Jin-dong's eyes widened again.
The fact that the Heavenly Slaughter Unit Commander was overseeing all operations here was classified—top secret.
Does that mean the newly reinforced First-tier unit... is the Death Shadow Squad?!
He wanted to cry. The Death Shadow Squad, which had always been filled with the Rootless Squad members he'd mocked and looked down on, was now a First-tier unit?
And wasn't Bu Eun-seol himself just a parachute appointment, granted the rank of commander solely because he was a candidate for the Demon Hall's succession?
"I asked where he is."
At Bu Eun-seol's words, Gok Jin-dong snapped back to reality.
"H-He's near... Cheongryu Hollow."
"Take me there."
"Y-Yes, sir."
Passing through a valley where a roaring waterfall cascaded down, they arrived at a rugged terrain layered with folds like crumpled fabric.
After venturing deeper, a wide clearing appeared before a massive cave entrance.
Tents and makeshift wooden barracks densely packed the area.
Gok Jin-dong pointed toward the central tent.
"The Heavenly Slaughter Unit Commander is there."
The Heavenly Slaughter Unit.
It could truly be called the symbol of the Demon Hall.
Unlike the Dark Heaven and Soul-Extinguishing Units, which primarily carried out covert missions, the Heavenly Slaughter Unit operated openly in the light.
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
Inside that tent was the commander of the Demon Hall's most elite unit.
"Hm."
With a low exhale, Bu Eun-seol strode inside without hesitation.
Unlike the crisp air outside, the interior was thick with a suffocating, leaden atmosphere.
The space was vast, with a long rectangular table at its center.
And standing before it, studying a map, was a martial warrior.
He wore an iron mask, his frame solid yet razor-sharp—from a distance, he resembled a single blade forged from darkness itself.
This was the man who shook the martial world—the Heavenly Slaughter Unit Commander, Wi Mu-yeom.
"Death Shadow Squad Commander Bu Eun-seol greets the Heavenly Slaughter Unit Commander."
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands in respect, Wi Mu-yeom's gaze shifted toward him.
In that instant, the air inside the tent seemed to freeze solid.
He doesn't like me.
Bu Eun-seol could detect faint hostility in Wi Mu-yeom's eyes.
Perhaps it was only natural.
In the past, the deputy commander of the Heavenly Slaughter Unit had conspired with the Hell Blood Citadel to send Seo Jin-ha into the Martial Arts Tournament.
And such a move would have been impossible without Wi Mu-yeom's tacit approval.
—Think carefully. If you concede this matter, you can put not just the Hell Blood Citadel... but also our deputy commander in your debt.
Those had been the words of Seo Jin-ha—who had participated in the tournament under the alias Mu Sam-rang.
But Bu Eun-seol had rejected the offer outright and claimed the Ink Sword.
Because of that, the Hell Blood Citadel's plans had crumbled, and the Heavenly Slaughter Unit's deputy commander had lost face—
So of course the actual commander would hold a grudge.
"I requested a First-tier unit be sent..."
Wi Mu-yeom's voice, muffled behind his iron mask, was low yet resonated like a temple bell.
"But instead, you made one and came yourself."
Bu Eun-seol didn't respond. It wasn't an incorrect statement.
After staring at him for a long moment, Wi Mu-yeom pointed to the map on the table.
"I'll assign you the Second-tier Death Squad and the Third-tier Poisonous Eye Squad."
Then, in a solemn tone, he continued:
"Station yourselves near Gwanmo Peak. Intercept anyone attempting to escape through this area—or infiltrate Oji Mountain from it."
It was an incomprehensible order.
First-tier units possessed the authority and capability to act independently, bearing full responsibility for their decisions.
Yet here, Wi Mu-yeom was treating them like mere pawns.
Bu Eun-seol's eyes narrowed slightly.
This isn't just about the mission.
"Yet they were assigned just two units to guard the area."
"Understood."
Yet Bu Eun-seol asked no questions. There was no point—they wouldn't explain the reasoning even if he did.
"Execute the mission immediately upon leaving the barracks."
"Understood."
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands together and left the barracks without delay.
He returned to where his unit members stood assembled.
"Commander, what did they say?"
At Jo Nam-cheon's question, Bu Eun-seol replied in a low voice:
"We've been ordered to guard the entry route near Gwanmo Peak."
"Just guard the path? Not even a search operation?"
In that moment, Jo Nam-cheon and the rest of the unit wore expressions of utter bewilderment.
To make a First-grade squad rush thousands of miles only to stand guard over a mere mountain pass?
Then Won Se-mun, who had been listening silently, wrinkled his nose and spoke up.
"Commander, something feels off about this."
He scratched his head and added:
"Could it be that the Heavenly Slaughter Unit Commander has taken a dislike to you because you rose too quickly?"
Strictly speaking, that wasn't entirely wrong.
Currently, Bu Eun-seol's status was merely that of a candidate for succession to the Demon Hall, competing against heirs from the Demonic Path Ten Gates.
From the perspective of the Demon Hall's existing warriors, he had essentially used his backing as a legitimate successor of one of the Ten Gates to secure his position as a commander.
And with his rapid, repeated promotions, there was no way they'd view him favorably.
"Perhaps."
When Bu Eun-seol answered dismissively, this time Myo Cheon-u stepped forward.
"Could this be a trap?"
"A trap?"
"Like, what if Gwanmo Peak is along the route the Martial Alliance's sword units will take during their full-scale assault? Or what if it's terrain where even the Empty-Handed Divine Thief could break through without us being able to stop him?"
Myo Cheon-u's brow furrowed deeply.
"In other words, they might be scheming to pin the blame on us if things go wrong."
That, too, was a reasonable concern.
This operation concerning the Empty-Handed Divine Thief was being personally commanded by none other than the Heavenly Slaughter Unit Commander, one of the three great unit leaders.
If the Heavenly Slaughter Unit Commander failed, he would need a scapegoat to shoulder the responsibility.
And who better than Bu Eun-seol—a Demon Hall successor candidate who had risen through the ranks at an abnormal pace?
"That's not it. It's actually quite far from Oji Mountain."
"Then why the hell—?"
"Whatever the Heavenly Slaughter Unit Commander is thinking, you needn't concern yourselves with it."
Bu Eun-seol replied indifferently.
"We only need to do our part."
"Commander, let me speak to the Heavenly Slaughter Unit Commander."
At that, Wi Cheon-gyeong stepped forward.
He was the Heavenly Slaughter Unit Commander's half-brother.
Though their relationship was known to be strained, it wasn't so bad that he couldn't request a private audience.
"Unnecessary."
"Commander."
"Don't worry. Our unit is here under the authority of a First-grade Commander."
For some reason, Bu Eun-seol grinned, baring his white teeth.
"Even if this is the Heavenly Slaughter Unit Commander's order, the responsibility for all actions ultimately falls on this commander."
That smile shone dazzlingly bright, yet the unit members who saw it felt an eerie chill run down their spines.
Because in that moment, he looked like the Grim Reaper himself, toying with human lives as if they were playthings dangling from his fingertips.
—Ah, well... The Commander surely has his reasons.
Exchanging glances, the unit members nodded to one another.
Bu Eun-seol was not only profound in his strategies but always prepared for every possible scenario.
Surely, he already had some intricate plan in mind for this situation as well.
"Relay the orders to the Death Squad and the Poisonous Eye Squad."
Bu Eun-seol addressed his unit.
"Inform them they've been placed under this commander's command and to prepare to move out."
At that, Won Se-mun grinned broadly and stepped forward.
"I'll deliver the message right away!"
Shortly after.
Gok Jin-dong, observing the Death Squad members, scrunched up his face as if he'd bitten into a rotten persimmon.
Because Won Se-mun had sidled up to him with a sly grin and dropped a bombshell:
—Commander Gok! Looks like we're all in the same boat now!
Upon hearing the details, it turned out the Heavenly Slaughter Unit Commander had placed both the Death Squad and the Poisonous Eye Squad under the command of Bu Eun-seol's Death Shadow Squad.
'I was going to distinguish myself with a great achievement here!'
And their mission? Simply guarding one of the paths the Martial Alliance might use to advance.
'Of all people, to end up entangled with those bastards...'
After being deployed here, Gok Jin-dong had hoped to accomplish something remarkable and rise to the rank of a First-grade squad.
Yet now, against his will, he found himself aboard the sinking ship that was the Death Shadow Squad?
"Commander Gok!"
Just then, Won Se-mun—who had been mingling with the Death Shadow Squad members—dashed over and called out with a mischievous expression.
"Our Commander orders an immediate departure!"
The Death Squad and the Poisonous Eye Squad moved out alongside the Death Shadow Squad members, taking up positions at the mountain pass near Gwanmo Peak.
Bu Eun-seol, seemingly intent on resting openly, stationed the Death Squad and the Poisonous Eye Squad to guard the pass while positioning the Death Shadow Squad halfway up Gwanmo Peak.
'This might actually be for the best.'
Gok Jin-dong inwardly sighed in relief.
There was nothing more uncomfortable than being stuck with the Death Shadow Squad—especially with people like Won Se-mun who would tease him relentlessly.
Moreover, Bu Eun-seol had issued an incomprehensible order:
—You may light fires and drink freely. No one will come here anyway, so let the unit members rest at ease.
Gok Jin-dong doubted his own ears.
"No one will come here anyway, so feel free to light fires," he said?
And even allowing alcohol—wasn't that outright defiance of the Heavenly Slaughter Unit Commander's orders?