Chapter 264
"Have a seat."
Guyang Jeong-hak gestured indifferently for Bu Eun-seol to sit.
"What brings you all the way here?"
"I've come to ask for your assistance."
"Hohoho."
Guyang Jeong-hak chuckled lightly.
"Though our sect has built some influence, we are but a minor faction on the fringes of Qinghai. How could we possibly be of help to the Demon Hall's vanguard?"
Contrary to his words, the Wind-Shooting Sword Sect was the most influential faction within the Qinghai Demonic Path.
Moreover, rumors that the Demon Hall's vanguard had stationed themselves at All Swords Land had already spread far and wide across the martial world.
Guyang Jeong-hak was feigning ignorance like a sly fox, pretending humility despite knowing everything.
Had Bu Eun-seol been an ordinary martial artist, he might have played along, praising the elder's modesty to steer the conversation forward.
But Bu Eun-seol detested both meaningless small talk and beating around the bush.
"Lend us just one ship from the Wind-Shooting Sword Sect's fleet."
He cut straight to the point.
"Our vanguard intends to slip past the Black Alliance's surveillance and infiltrate All Swords Land covertly."
The Raging River, which flowed through narrow ravines, had fierce and treacherous currents, making it ill-suited for navigation.
However, the stretch leading to All Swords Land had gentler currents, allowing merchant ships to transport goods.
True to their nature as a bandit sect, the Black Alliance had chained several ships together along the passage to All Swords Land, extorting tolls from any vessel that sought to cross.
"I've heard the Wind-Shooting Sword Sect operates merchant ships of its own. With one of those, we could pass near All Swords Land without raising suspicion."
As Bu Eun-seol laid out his plan without hesitation, Guyang Jeong-hak's expression shifted dramatically.
'This brat is threatening me.'
Revealing a critical operation to a complete stranger—
That was tantamount to a threat: Help us, or we'll turn the Wind-Shooting Sword Sect into a field of scorched earth.
'If I refuse, he'll drown our sect in blood.'
Beads of sweat formed on Guyang Jeong-hak's forehead.
'We must prevent any leaks at all costs.'
"Can you assist us?"
At Bu Eun-seol's repeated question, Guyang Jeong-hak took a deep breath.
The fate of countless dependents rested on his next words.
"This sect leader..."
He trailed off momentarily.
The Wind-Shooting Sword Sect was an ancient sword sect with deep roots in the harsh lands of Qinghai.
Their refusal to join the Demon Hall stemmed from pride—they were a sect from the birthplace of the Qinghai Demonic Path.
But if they were to kneel under the threats of some greenhorn from the Demon Hall?
He would never again be able to walk through Qinghai Murim with his head held high.
"This sect has no intention of involving itself in the conflict between the Demon Hall and the Black Alliance."
Guyang Jeong-hak spoke with dignified composure.
"I must decline your request. Please convey my apologies to the Blood Martial Group Leader."
"It seems you've made some kind of deal with the Black Alliance."
Bu Eun-seol's expression remained impassive as he continued calmly.
"Or perhaps you're certain our vanguard will lose."
'Is he trying to probe my intentions?'
Narrowing his eyes briefly, Guyang Jeong-hak shook his head in denial.
"Nothing of the sort. We simply wish to stay out of the affairs of the Central Plains Demon Path."
"If the Black Alliance continues to rise, their next target will inevitably be Slicing Sword Ridge."
"We'll handle such matters ourselves."
Guyang Jeong-hak's tone was resolute.
"This sect may not be a major faction, but had we intended to bow to the Demon Hall's might, we would have lowered our banner long ago."
Bu Eun-seol sensed deep hostility in his voice and let out a quiet sigh.
"I'm not here to threaten you under the Demon Hall's banner. I'm here to ask for your help."
"What you call a request is nothing but coercion from this sect's perspective."
Guyang Jeong-hak's voice turned icy.
"Not a single member of this sect will be drawn into this conflict."
"It seems there's been a misunderstanding."
Bu Eun-seol met Guyang Jeong-hak's gaze steadily.
"I'm not asking for troops. I'm asking for a ship—so our main force can launch an immediate assault on the Black Alliance's headquarters at All Swords Land."
"And how is that any different? Breaking through the Black Alliance's coastal defenses would still require a massive force."
Guyang Jeong-hak's expression hardened.
"Or are you truly asking for just one ship?"
At that moment, the doors of the Wind Rain Pavilion burst open, and a young woman in red robes stormed in.
"We'll provide it."
Her voice was firm as she looked straight at Bu Eun-seol.
"Our sect's merchant ships—and even our elite soldiers—we'll give you everything."
"Jeong-a!"
Guyang Jeong-hak leapt to his feet in shock, trying to stop her.
"This is no place for you to interfere."
"No. It is my place."
The woman in red, Guyang Cheong-jeong, pointed at Bu Eun-seol.
"This man is the one who saved not just me but all the successors of the Seven Sword Gates of Qinghai from the clutches of the Blood Sea Demon Well."
"What?"
Guyang Jeong-hak blinked rapidly, shaking his head.
"What nonsense is this? He's the successor of Langya Pavilion—"
"That's right. This is the Langya Pavilion's successor—Young Master Bu."
Guyang Jeong-hak's jaw dropped unbecomingly.
The young man he had assumed was merely a messenger for the Blood Martial Group Leader...
Was none other than Bu Eun-seol—the orthodox successor of the Demonic Path Ten Gates, the man who had single-handedly slain the Beggar King, and a leading candidate to inherit the Demon Hall?
"You... are..."
Guyang Jeong-hak's voice trembled as he stared at Bu Eun-seol.
"The legitimate successor of Langya Pavilion... you mean Bu Eun-seol?"
"That is correct."
As Bu Eun-seol nodded, Guyang Jeong-hak's mouth fell open as if he had seen a ghost.
Bu Eun-seol's frame was slender, and there was none of the overwhelming pressure or qi that typically radiated from martial artists. Had anyone other than his own daughter made such a claim, he would never have believed it.
'He has reached the realm of Return to Plainness!'
Only now, having grasped the extent of Bu Eun-seol's immense martial prowess, did Guyang Jeong-hak speak in a trembling voice.
"Why did you not reveal your identity?"
"Wouldn't that have been outright intimidation?"
Bu Eun-seol replied indifferently.
"I came here sincerely to make a request of the Sect Leader."
"I see..."
Guyang Jeong-hak's expression turned hollow.
Had Bu Eun-seol come as the Heir of the Demon Hall or a First-Grade Commander, there was no way he would have spoken so politely to the leader of a minor sword sect in Qinghai.
He had been courteous precisely because he had come in earnest.
"I will believe that you came not to flaunt your status, martial prowess, or even the favor you showed my daughter—but to make a sincere request."
After a moment of contemplation, Guyang Jeong-hak shook his head.
"Then, as Sect Leader, I too shall speak frankly."
Hesitating briefly, he lowered his voice.
"I offer my deepest gratitude for saving my daughter's life, Commander. That debt will be repaid without fail."
Drawing a deep breath, he continued with a pained expression.
"But I cannot assist you in this matter. Saving my daughter does not warrant gambling this sect's fate."
"Father!"
"I am this sect's leader."
Guyang Jeong-hak's voice turned stern.
"I cannot stake the lives of all my disciples for the sake of one person."
"That is nothing but cowardice!"
"Cowardice?"
Guyang Cheong-jeong retorted sharply.
"When you were in danger, Lord Eun-seol openly declared his identity as Langya Pavilion's successor—knowing full well the Blood Sea Demon Well intended to wipe us out!"
"Cheong-jeong."
"And yet, Father, you refuse to stake the sect's fate for a single act of kindness? Is this the pride of the Qinghai Demonic Path you always speak of?"
Only then did Guyang Jeong-hak recall the old tale of the Ten Demonic Heir who had once aided his daughter.
Not only had he saved a girl he had never met, but he had deliberately revealed his identity to shield the Seven Sword Gates from the Blood Sea Demon Well's assault.
'But was that not a favor only possible because he was from Langya Pavilion?'
Guyang Jeong-hak shook his head.
Had Bu Eun-seol been a disciple of an ordinary sect instead—
Would he have dared reveal his affiliation?
"I know what you're thinking, Father. You believe it was easy for Lord Eun-seol to reveal himself because he was from Langya Pavilion."
'Is that not the truth?'
"You are mistaken."
"What?"
Guyang Cheong-jeong's expression hardened.
"Since that day, I have investigated Lord Eun-seol's movements."
Steadying her emotions, she spoke calmly.
"At the time, he was evading pursuit by the Righteous Faction while confronting a Great Righteous Expert. That was why he had been concealing his identity and whereabouts."
Lifting her head, she continued firmly.
"Yet despite that, he willingly exposed himself—for us. He risked having his location and identity exposed."
Only then did Guyang Jeong-hak recall the rumors—how Bu Eun-seol, the Heir of the Demon Hall, had faced the Cold-Blooded Ghosts of the Blood Sea Demon Well alone after their ambush.
Had he not saved Guyang Cheong-jeong—had he not revealed himself—
He would never have made an enemy of the Blood Sea Demon Well. He would never have suffered such a perilous attack.
"Hmm..."
Realizing the full weight of the situation, Guyang Jeong-hak exhaled a deep sigh of shame.
All men prioritize their own interests.
Because of that, they often turn a blind eye to past kindnesses—deliberately forgetting them.
Perhaps that was human nature. An instinctive response.
But Guyang Cheong-jeong, despite her youth, had not forgotten Bu Eun-seol's favor. She had resolved to repay it.
"This old man was mistaken."
Guyang Jeong-hak bowed his head in shame.
"Even a young girl like you understands the weight of debts and grudges... Yet I, under the pretense of protecting this sect, acted ungratefully toward the man who saved us from the Blood Sea Demon Well's savagery."
Then, clasping his hands toward Bu Eun-seol, he declared:
"You shall have our sect's ships. Not only that—our warriors will lend their full support."
At that, Guyang Cheong-jeong clapped her hands and added:
"Do not worry, Father. Not just us—the entire Seven Sword Gates of Qinghai will stand with Lord Eun-seol."
"What do you mean?"
As Bu Eun-seol blinked in confusion, Guyang Cheong-jeong smiled brightly.
"When I sent word to my close friends that you had come here, they immediately set out to join us."
The Wind-Shooting Sword Sect promptly cleared out an entire hall for the Death Shadow Squad to rest in comfort.
They prepared fine wine and food, hosting a grand feast for the unit members.
For Bu Eun-seol himself, they offered the Pure Elegance Study—the most beautiful residence in the sect, surrounded by a tranquil flower garden.
—Rest well. We will prepare ships to cross the Raging River at once.
Not only that—Guyang Jeong-hak immediately arranged for the sect's ships to pass through All Swords Land.
—There's no need to rush.
At that moment, Bu Eun-seol spoke with a leisurely expression.
—Our unit must head to All Swords Land the moment we hear rumors of the Blood Mist Corps' main forces mobilizing.
Only then did Guyang Jeong-hak nod in understanding as he grasped Bu Eun-seol's plan.
The idea was to strike the flank of All Swords Land precisely when the Blood Mist Corps' main forces invaded the Black Alliance.
That way, they could penetrate the heart of the Black Alliance faster than anyone else.
Inside the Wind-Shooting Sword Sect's grand conference hall.
A dim oil lamp flickered as seven figures sat gathered around a circular table.
They were the successors of the Seven Sword Gates of Qinghai, including Guyang Cheong-jeong.
Upon hearing that Bu Eun-seol was here, they had rushed over without delay.
But when they learned he was in the Pure Elegance Study discussing matters with his unit leaders,
they decided to first strategize among themselves on how to assist him.
Their expressions were grave as they studied the map spread across the table.
"It seems impossible to pass through the Black Alliance' checkpoint easily."
After a prolonged silence, Guyang Cheong-jeong's lips finally moved.
"Though the Black Alliance and our sects have long refrained from encroaching on each other, we're now in wartime. They'll undoubtedly search every inch of the ships."
Everyone nodded at her words.
The Black Alliance had blocked the narrow, treacherous waterway to All Swords Land with chained ships, collecting tolls for passage.
But with tensions at a breaking point against the Demon Hall's forces, there was no way they'd casually allow ships bound for headquarters to pass.
"Obviously."
Wi Ji-un, successor of the Vast Cold Sword Sect, crossed his arms and scoffed.
"If not one or two but an entire fleet from the Seven Sword Gates tries to pass, they'll search every last vessel."
Ma Han, young clan head of the Sea Tower Sword Gate, then let out a thoughtful hum.
"What if we heavily bribe them? The stronghold master guarding that area—Slaughtering Ferocious Ghost Muk Jeok—was once the fortress master of the Yangtze Waterway Fortress, so..."
Creak.
Just then, the door opened, and Bu Eun-seol entered wearing his plain martial uniform.
During his meeting with the unit leaders, he'd received word that the successors of the Seven Sword Gates were waiting to see him.
And the moment the meeting ended, he'd come straight here.
"Lord Eun!"
The successors all clasped their hands together in delighted greeting.
"Have you been well?"
"We've constantly heard tales of your exploits shaking the martial world!"
Bu Eun-seol studied them with faint surprise.
They had once been little more than privileged young masters content to idle away their days.
But now, their eyes burned with intensity, and their bodies bore the marks of rigorous training.
"You've changed. All of you."
At his words, Wi Ji-un scratched his head sheepishly.
"After you saved us, we all resolved to abandon our indolent ways."
After being humiliated by the Blood Sea Demon Well's Go Geuk-sin, they'd realized how pitiful their lives had been.
They'd devoted themselves daily to martial arts, striving to cultivate the wisdom and bearing befitting successors.
—A successor isn't a position for indulging in privilege!
A successor must one day determine their sect's destiny.
It was only after meeting Bu Eun-seol that they'd truly understood this.
"Hmm."
Bu Eun-seol nodded approvingly at their transformed demeanors.
"But why have you gathered here?"
Guyang Cheong-jeong answered with solemn gravity.
"We were discussing how to conceal a large force—including our sect's warriors—aboard the ships."
"You mean the Seven Sword Gates' troops?"
When Bu Eun-seol tilted his head in question, Ma Han struck his chest emphatically.
"Of course we must join you in confronting the Black Alliance!"
Bu Eun-seol immediately shook his head.
"Unnecessary. My main force only requires a single ship from the Wind-Shooting Sword Sect to safely reach All Swords Land."
The successors' expressions twisted in disbelief.
"You mean to go with just the unit members you brought?"
"Correct."
"That's impossible."
Ma Han stepped forward urgently.
"The Black Alliance has erected formidable defensive lines along the riverbanks to guard against enemies approaching All Swords Land via the Raging River."
Wi Ji-un quickly added,
"He's right. And with this being wartime... their forces number at least three hundred. Probably more."
"It's fine."
Bu Eun-seol's lips curled in a faint smile.
"Even if it were five hundred, we could break through."
The successors blinked at each other in astonishment.
No matter how exceptional the Demon Hall's warriors were, Bu Eun-seol had brought only fifty Death Shadow Squad members.
However skilled they might be, the probability of defeating over three hundred Black Alliance fighters was nonexistent.
'Could they be one of the Demon Hall's Special-Grade units?'
If Bu Eun-seol's unit belonged to one of the three elite Special-Grade forces—Heavenly Slayer, Dark Heaven, or Soul Annihilation—then it might be possible.
But the Death Shadow Squad was a newly formed unit, wasn't it?
'At least their martial prowess remains unknown for now.'
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly as he read their expressions.
The Death Shadow Squad couldn't compare to the Demon Hall's elite Special-Grade units composed of supreme masters.
But his members had always fought against overwhelming numbers, mastering tactics for such battles down to their bones.
In large-scale combat alone, the Death Shadow Squad's strategic prowess rivaled even the Special-Grade units.
"I appreciate the sentiment."
Bu Eun-seol's tone remained gentle but firm.
"But this matter requires no further discussion. We'll truly be fine."
"So there's nothing we can do to help?"
As the successors bowed their heads in frustration, Bu Eun-seol's expression turned solemn.
"Actually, there's something far more important."
And then, in a low voice, he whispered to the Successors.