Chapter 284
As Danri Muk exploded in anger, Jeong Ji-ryong frowned and pointed to the official seal stamped on the letter.
"the Deputy Hall Leader's seal is clearly imprinted here."
"Nonsense!"
"Mind your words, Deputy Hall Leader."
Jeong Ji-ryong's gaze turned icy cold.
"Do you truly believe the Hall Leader would be idly chatting with you at a time like this?"
Only then did Danri Muk suppress his agitation and speak calmly.
"Think about it. What fool would stamp an official seal on instructions meant for a spy?"
"...I never said the contents were instructions for a spy."
At Jeong Ji-ryong's words, Danri Muk's face flushed crimson.
"W-well, isn't it obvious what it would be?"
However, the expressions of Jeong Ji-ryong, the head of the Nectar Bureau, and the five Hall Leaders were far from pleased.
The Ten Righteous Assembly wasn't a trial to declare guilt.
If there were suspicious circumstances involving a hall master-rank official, this meeting existed to debate whether an investigation by the Inspection Hall would be appropriate.
"I shall announce the assembly's decision."
Jeong Ji-ryong spoke in a low voice.
"As of this moment, Deputy Hall Leader Danri Muk's duties are hereby suspended. And until the investigation concludes, he shall be detained in the Iron Prison."
Then he addressed Jongjeong Yak and Bu Eun-seol as well.
"The formal trial will proceed after our hall's investigation is complete. At that time, Law Enforcement Commander and Young Hero Seol—you will both need to testify once more."
"Understood."
"Then let us conclude this Ten Righteous Assembly."
Everyone expected Danri Muk to roar like thunder in rebellion.
Yet surprisingly, wasn't he accepting the verdict with unsettling composure?
Without uttering a word, he allowed himself to be escorted out by the Inspection Hall's enforcers.
Only sparing a single glance each toward the head of the Nectar Bureau and Jongjeong Yak.
'It's over.'
Watching this, Jongjeong Yak inwardly smiled in relief.
That Danri Muk had committed misconduct was undeniable fact.
If the Inspection Hall launched an investigation, every last one of his crimes would inevitably come to light.
"You've worked hard."
As the meeting adjourned, Yang Seol, head of the Nectar Bureau, gently patted Jongjeong Yak's shoulder.
She had steadfastly believed in Jongjeong Yak, and upon securing evidence of Danri Muk's corruption, had provided both material and moral support to enable the investigation.
"All thanks to your leadership, Hall Leader."
When Jongjeong Yak clasped her hands respectfully, Yang Seol smiled faintly.
"We'll know once the investigation concludes, but if his crimes are proven, your workload will likely increase from now on."
"My gratitude."
After Yang Seol departed, Jongjeong Yak turned to Bu Eun-seol with a relieved smile.
"We're nearly there now."
Her smile was weightless with relief.
"Once the investigation results come out, it'll proceed to formal trial. Young Hero Seol, you'll need to testify once more then. After that, everything will be settled."
"Understood."
The Martial Alliance existed to safeguard peace in the Murim.
But not all who gathered here were righteous.
Where people congregate, authority and hierarchy inevitably form. And these structures of power and rank are maintained by forces fundamentally divorced from justice.
Viewed through this lens, embezzlement and corruption within the Martial Alliance were unavoidable inevitabilities.
However, the scale of Danri Muk's alleged crimes far exceeded what one might call inevitable corruption.
Moreover, his position was Deputy Hall Leader of the Law Enforcement Hall—the very institution that rigorously upheld the law. That such a man would embezzle elixirs and vast sums entering the Martial Alliance?
But concrete evidence was needed, so the Inspection Hall began combing through both the Law Enforcement Hall and Danri Muk's residence.
If everything was proven true?
This would become a matter requiring the Alliance Leader's personal intervention.
Rustle.
As night fell, Bu Eun-seol began combing through the Martial Alliance once more.
The investigation into Danri Muk was nearing its conclusion.
Regardless of the outcome, once the trial commenced, Bu Eun-seol only needed to testify as a witness before his role ended.
After that, he couldn't remain in the Martial Alliance. Yet he still hadn't uncovered any connection between the Alliance and Wicked Incense.
'Can't be helped.'
You can't get full from the first spoonful.
Those were Bu Eun-seol's own words.
The Martial Alliance might appear lax, but its internal security was thorough, teeming with masters surpassing his own skills.
He never expected this incident would allow him to instantly uncover Wicked Incense's headquarters or the Alliance's secrets.
'Finding Wicked Incense's trail isn't the absolute priority this time.'
—We must make our name resonate across the Murim once more.
This was the unanimous opinion expressed by the deputy leaders during the Hidden Demon Pavilion's council meeting.
Because due to the Hell Blood Citadel's recent audit, Bu Eun-seol's reputation within the demonic faction had taken a hit.
But Bu Eun-seol had anticipated this very outcome.
When one newly grasping authority swings their staff... even if the act is just, it inevitably appears harsh and merciless.
'I must use this opportunity to ensure no one dares question my decisions again.'
When So Ja-myeong relayed Jongjeong Yak's information, Bu Eun-seol decided to weaponize these rumors.
Corruption among the Martial Alliance's upper echelons.
This couldn't possibly be an isolated incident. By exposing all connected parties and broadcasting it across the Murim, he would make his name thunder once more.
So that no one would ever again interfere in his affairs. So that no one could use reputation or the like to undermine his authority.
'Today will be the last.'
Bu Eun-seol stepped out of his quarters and stroked his chin.
Today was not about investigating whether there were any traces of Wicked Incense.
Before the Inspection Hall could act, he intended to thoroughly ransack Danri Muk's residence and office—to dig out every last person lurking behind him.
'This is why we had to bring Danri Muk down in the Ten Justice Assembly.'
Danri Muk's residence and office were always heavily guarded by the Martial Alliance's elite masters.
No matter how exceptional the Swift Shadowless technique was, he couldn't recklessly take risks within the Martial Alliance.
So Bu Eun-seol had fabricated decisive evidence to have him imprisoned in the Iron Prison, removing the high-level masters who had been guarding the place.
Tsk tsk tsk.
Deploying Swift Shadowless, Bu Eun-seol infiltrated Danri Muk's residence in an instant—now devoid of its once-impenetrable security.
Tsk tsk tsk tsk.
Though patrolling guards roamed the area, he effortlessly slipped past their notice and entered the inner office.
'They've already conducted a search.'
The office was completely empty, likely because the Inspection Hall had already combed through it thoroughly.
'As expected. No hidden mechanisms here.'
Danri Muk had been well aware that Jongjeong Yak was investigating his corruption.
And if things went wrong, the first place to be searched would be his office.
There was no way he would have left behind a secret vault or hidden mechanisms in a place like this.
'Instead, he made something like this.'
Activating Spirit Command Mind Penetration, Bu Eun-seol picked up a brush lying on the desk.
To anyone else, it would have looked like an ordinary brush—but to Bu Eun-seol, whose Empty Mind Spirit Communion was active, a unique emblem was visible.
Sliding his fingernail into the tip of the brush, he channeled his internal energy along the pattern of the emblem.
Click.
Suddenly, the tip separated, and a tightly rolled letter slipped out.
"The Martial Alliance's secret language, huh."
Bu Eun-seol stroked his chin as he examined the paper.
He hadn't yet learned how to decipher the Martial Alliance's encrypted code.
That left him with two choices.
Should he hand this over to Jongjeong Yak? Or take it discreetly to the Demon Hall for decryption?
'She'll definitely be suspicious.'
Even if he was a Special-Grade Mercenary, sneaking into the residence of the Law Enforcement Hall's Deputy Chief?
Rather than questioning the authenticity of the letter, she'd likely start doubting Bu Eun-seol's true identity.
'Should I just return to the Main Hall?'
If this was related to Wicked Incense, it might be better to take it to the Demon Hall rather than show it to Jongjeong Yak.
But what if it contained the Martial Alliance's dirty secrets? She would undoubtedly try to cover it up immediately.
'No, that might not be the case.'
If Jongjeong Yak were an ordinary figure, she might blindly suppress the Alliance's scandals.
But she was an ambitious woman.
If climbing higher meant disregarding the Martial Alliance's reputation, she wouldn't hesitate.
'I'll have to take the risk.'
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
In the end, he decided to show the encrypted letter to Jongjeong Yak.
The next day. Jongjeong Yak's office.
She blinked her large eyes as she examined the secret letters Bu Eun-seol had handed her.
"Where on earth did you get these?"
Bu Eun-seol answered honestly.
"I went to Danri Muk's office. Something felt off."
"What?!"
Her eyes widened.
To reach Danri Muk's residence, one would have to bypass numerous elite guards.
Even for someone with exceptional martial prowess, that would be nearly impossible.
'He really is beyond the level of a Special-Grade Mercenary.'
Only now did she vaguely realize that Bu Eun-seol hadn't just come to her with outstanding martial skills—he had some kind of objective.
"Young Hero Seol. What is your goal?"
'Here it comes.'
"I'll be honest."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath and spoke.
"For a long time now, I've been investigating whether the Martial Alliance has been colluding with Wicked Incense to manipulate the martial world."
"What?! Why?"
"Certain factions sensed an unusual undercurrent between the Martial Alliance and Wicked Incense and commissioned me to look into it."
Jongjeong Yak's expression filled with suspicion.
"So you deliberately approached me?"
"Not at all. I took on this job years ago. It was pure coincidence that Hall Master Dam later assigned me as your escort."
"Hmm."
"Only after learning that you were a Law Enforcement Commander of the Martial Alliance did I make up my mind—to verify what you were investigating myself."
Jongjeong Yak pressed a finger to her forehead.
She couldn't shake the feeling that Bu Eun-seol had intentionally gotten close to her.
But if this had been a calculated approach, the mastermind behind it would have to be someone with an intelligence network at the level of a major sect.
'That can't be possible, right?'
Wasn't Dam Yu-yeon one of the most well-connected informants in the martial world?
If Bu Eun-seol had been a suspicious figure, she wouldn't have spent an astronomical sum to assign him to her.
"Fine."
Realizing she had no other choice, Jongjeong Yak opened her mouth.
"Then share with me everything you've uncovered so far. Only then will I believe you."
"Very well."
Bu Eun-seol calmly explained the information he had gathered about Wicked Incense.
Based on all the evidence he had obtained, it was possible that Wicked Incense was connected to the Martial Alliance.
However, he did not mention his own status as the Heir of the Demon Hall or the source of his intelligence.
"I see."
"Then can you decipher the contents written on this paper?"
Jongjeong Yak, nodding, stared at the encrypted documents on the table with a darkened expression.
"They're... sending children."
"Children?"
Jongjeong Yak's face twisted in despair as she decoded the secret language.
"The embezzled funds from Deputy Hall Leader Danri Muk were being funneled into the Killing Sect."
Her expression burned with fury.
"He was taking in young children and raising them as assassins."
Shockingly, Danri Muk had been using the misappropriated funds to create his own independent squad of killers.
"Why would a Deputy Hall Leader of the Law Enforcement Hall do such a thing?"
Bu Eun-seol's question was also Jongjeong Yak's.
If Danri Muk had wanted, he could have easily requested military support from the Martial Alliance.
So why had he gone to such lengths to use the Killing Sect to turn children into assassins?
Tap.
At that moment, the door burst open, and Neung Jo-un rushed in.
"Law Enforcement Commander!"
Seeing the panic in Neung Jo-un's eyes, Jongjeong Yak felt a foreboding premonition.
"What is it?"
"Well... Deputy Hall Leader Danri Muk has taken his own life in the Iron Prison."
"What?!"
"It seems he feared everything would be exposed, so he committed suicide."
"That can't be."
Jongjeong Yak shook her head.
Danri Muk had tried to have her killed using assassins, and even after being imprisoned in the Iron Prison, he had stubbornly refused to speak.
For a man like that to commit suicide before any concrete evidence had even surfaced?
"He was silenced."
"What do you mean?"
Bu Eun-seol answered in a low voice.
"He didn't kill himself—he was silenced."
Then he fixed his gaze on Jongjeong Yak.
"There's no reason a Deputy Hall Leader of the Law Enforcement Hall would need assassins made up of children."
Bu Eun-seol spoke calmly.
"There must be an accomplice—or someone higher up. If he had talked, it would have been troublesome for them, wouldn't it?"
"Then that means..."
"Whoever killed Danri Muk must have known him well."
In that instant, a realization flashed through Jongjeong Yak's mind.
How she had come to learn about the disappearance of the Martial Alliance's elixirs.
And how she had deduced that the incident originated from the High Command.
"I'll be right back."
As if possessed, Jongjeong Yak dashed outside.
Her destination was none other than the Flower Honey Garden.
"Where is the Hall Leader?"
"Please wait a moment."
The guard briefly stepped inside before returning and speaking in a respectful tone.
"The Hall Leader has summoned you to the Pear Blossom Pavilion."
Guided by the guard, Jongjeong Yak entered the pavilion within the Flower Honey Garden.
There, amidst a beautifully arranged flower garden, Yang Seol, the Hall Leader, was sipping tea.
"To what do I owe this sudden visit at such an hour?"
Yang Seol smiled elegantly.
"Shouldn't you be busy with your investigation?"
"Was it you, Hall Leader?"
Jongjeong Yak spoke with an expression of utter disbelief.
"Why? You've helped me so much until now!"
Her cry was filled with both conviction and betrayal.
Even in the face of this abrupt confrontation, Yang Seol maintained her serene expression.
After a long silence, she let out a deep sigh and shook her head.
"So you've found out after all."
At that moment, Jongjeong Yak's heart was torn apart.
She had been endlessly criticized as someone blinded by ambition, desperate for advancement.
It was true—she had wanted to rise to a position where no one could look down on her.
But all of it had been because she revered Yang Seol, the Hall Leader of the Flower Honey Garden. She had aspired to be like her.
After all, Yang Seol had once been a mere disciple of the humble Clear Fragrance Sect before rising to her current esteemed position.
She had climbed to the pinnacle through sheer effort alone. Jongjeong Yak had wanted to emulate her.
"I've always respected and followed you like a master."
"You should have just left me alone!"
Her voice trembling, Jongjeong Yak lowered her head before shouting again.
"Why did you keep helping me? Why did you support my investigation into Deputy Hall Leader Danri Muk? Why did you stand as my shadow?"
"The world doesn't bend to one's will."
Yang Seol smiled faintly.
"Danri Muk was nothing more than a dog wagging its tail for me. But in the process of using him, he ended up learning too much."
"And then he tried to blackmail me with that knowledge. A mere dog I raised, daring to make demands."
Her smile was bitter.
"So I used you to pin the blame on him. After all, the only Law Enforcement Commander reckless enough to target Danri Muk within the Martial Alliance was you—the one obsessed with climbing the ranks."
Jongjeong Yak's heart shattered into pieces.
She was exceptionally talented, yet plagued by deep-seated inferiority and an overwhelming desire to succeed.
And that very personality made her nothing more than an easily manipulated pawn in the eyes of those in power.
Yang Seol shook her head as if disappointed.
"This plan was flawless. I truly can't fathom where it went wrong."
"Are you admitting to everything?"
"What's there to admit?"
Yang Seol smiled faintly as she spoke.
"All that matters is cleaning up neatly."
"Do you really think that's possible?"
"The moment I received word of your arrival, I already dispatched masters from the Inspection Hall to arrest your adjutant."
Her lips curled into a confident smile as she saw through Jongjeong Yak's thoughts.
"The charge? Fabricating the entire Danri Muk incident."
"I'll seek approval directly from the Alliance Leader."
"That's fine too."
She sipped her tea.
"Though I'll have to record that he resisted so violently that killing him immediately was unavoidable."
Jongjeong Yak trembled violently.
Now, everything was over.
The world turned only by the will of the powerful. No matter how hard one struggled, some barriers could never be overcome.
"Why did you do this?"
Jongjeong Yak voiced the final question in her mind.
"You had no need for such deeds, Chief Yang."
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say Yang Seol, hailing from the Clear Fragrance Sect, had risen to the highest position an ordinary martial artist could achieve.
Why would someone like her stoop to this?
"Heh. You still don't understand, do you?"
Yang Seol's smile turned icy.
"The Murim Alliance and the Demon Hall—both have their spies. Deep-cover agents planted long ago."
Suddenly, Bu Eun-seol's words flashed through Jongjeong Yak's mind.
"Then the reason for your rise... You had backing from some faction."
"You could say that."
In that instant, Jongjeong Yak's eyes filled with contempt.
The woman she had respected and aspired to emulate had merely climbed to her position by leaning on hidden powers.
"Now that your curiosity is satisfied, shall we conclude this?"
Yang Seol slowly extended her hand.
Her nails were dyed a sinister blue—clear evidence of mastering a vicious Poison Art.
Whoosh.
With just that motion, Jongjeong Yak's limbs went numb as if bound by invisible ropes.
"Ugh—"
The more she struggled, the worse the paralysis became.
"We've brought him."
A low voice announced as several figures dragged in a man whose acupoints had been sealed.
It was Neung Jo-un.
"Law Enforcement Commander!"
Neung Jo-un's body was a mangled wreck, evidence of severe injuries.
"What about Young Hero Seol?"
"A squad of elite swordsmen suddenly stormed in and took him."
Yang Seol chuckled upon hearing this.
"Eliminating a mere mercenary is trivial. No need for fabricated evidence—I simply had him transported immediately to the Bottomless Prison under suspicion of involvement in Deputy Chief Dan's suicide."
"Do you really think it'll be that easy?"
"Don't indulge in futile hopes. I'm well aware he's not only the true successor of the Seven Sages Gate but also a Special-Grade mercenary of the Red Sky Curtain Branch."
Yang Seol's laughter was frosty.
"That's why I sent the entire Dragon God Sword Squad."
Jongjeong Yak's face hardened.
Yang Seol had been meticulously erasing every trace all along.
"Now, let's end this."
As the Flower Honey Garden's chief gathered her Poison Art energy, Jongjeong Yak's body began moving against her will.
But then—
"Guh—!"
Neung Jo-un suddenly coughed up blood and broke free from his sealed acupoints. In the same motion, he launched a desperate sword strike at Yang Seol.
Swish!
Though she dodged lightly, Neung Jo-un swiftly positioned himself before Jongjeong Yak.
"Run!"
"Adjutant Neung!"
"There's no time!"
A haze of True Qi erupted from his body.
In his final moments, he was forcibly unleashing his Primordial Essence True Qi to break the acupoint seals, staking his life to help Jongjeong Yak escape.
"Now!"
Whoosh! Slash!
Neung Jo-un simultaneously unleashed his Flying Dagger Art and sword techniques.
The power of his techniques, amplified by the Primordial Essence True Qi, seemed several times stronger than usual.
Jongjeong Yak bit her lip and turned to flee.
Hesitating here would render Neung Jo-un's life-or-death sacrifice meaningless.
Thud!
Yet before she could take three steps, paralysis seized her again.
"How adorable, these children dreaming their little dreams."
Yang Seol had already subdued Neung Jo-un and resealed Jongjeong Yak's acupoints in an instant.
"Did you truly think this chief's martial prowess was so pitiful?"
Her voice dripped with mockery.
"The weak always harbor this delusion—that burning their Primordial Essence True Qi could be their final trump card."
She extended a finger toward Neung Jo-un, whose face had gone deathly pale from the strain.
"Farewell."
The mere twitch of that finger would pierce Jongjeong Yak's skull.
'This is the end.'
She closed her eyes.
Despite all her efforts, she would meet her bitter end without achieving anything.
Crack. Creak.
But then—
Rumble!
The wall suddenly fractured before collapsing entirely, revealing a figure stepping through the dust.
Bu Eun-seol.