Chapter 286
"Deputy Hall Master Danri Muk has passed away from overwork."
This was the official announcement from the Martial Alliance.
The Deputy Chief of the Law Enforcement Hall, who should have upheld justice, had instead committed corruption and was under investigation.
That he had then taken his own life was an unsightly affair.
To preserve the deceased Danri Muk's honor—and to save face for the Martial Alliance—they publicly declared that he had died from overwork while on duty.
Within the Alliance, few outside the Inspection Hall investigating him knew the exact details, so keeping the truth under wraps wasn't particularly difficult.
The vacant position of Deputy Chief of the Law Enforcement Hall was left unfilled for the time being.
Separately, it was announced that Yang Seol, head of the Flower Honey Garden, had quietly stepped down from her position due to illness and left for recuperation.
However, since the Flower Honey Garden's usual duties weren't particularly extensive, the absence of its head wasn't keenly felt.
Additionally, Law Enforcement Commander Jongjeong Yak and her adjutant, Neung Jo-un, were promoted one rank and transferred to the Inspection Hall.
But since this was merely a minor personnel change within the Martial Alliance, no significant rumors spread.
Bu Eun-seol had returned to the Demon Hall.
Unfortunately, his journey through the martial world had yielded no clues connecting the Martial Alliance to the Four Shadows.
Yet there had been an unexpectedly significant gain.
The forces that had been stirring up the martial world—
They had been reviving long-forgotten Vanished Sects and turning them into puppets.
They weren't coaxing existing factions to their side, nor were they cultivating their own forces directly.
Instead, they were restoring sects that had already faded from the martial world, using them where needed, and discarding them if they failed to produce the desired results.
Who would refuse a faction that offered massive support without demanding anything in return?
In this way, they had managed to extend their influence across the Central Plains without ever revealing themselves.
"The Death Shadow War Unit will prepare for immediate deployment."
Thus, Bu Eun-seol immediately set out for Yunnan with the elite forces of the Death Shadow War Unit.
As the Martial Soul Lord, Bu Eun-seol had the authority to mobilize the Death Shadow War Unit at will.
He had not the slightest intention of leaving the Five Poisons Sect—who kidnapped children for cruel experiments—unpunished.
Moreover, to ensure swift annihilation, he did not report to the Demonic Heavenly Emperor or the Cult Leader.
The moment they went through cumbersome procedures and held formal meetings to authorize the battalion's deployment—
They would cut off their tails and vanish once again.
"My Lord, at least report before going."
"He's right. The authority to mobilize the battalion independently is only nominal. There's no precedent for moving troops without reporting!"
The Death Shadow War Unit's senior commanders, along with Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong, desperately tried to dissuade Bu Eun-seol.
If he truly moved the battalion on a whim and something unexpected happened—
Given that Bu Eun-seol was already under unfavorable scrutiny, his authority would undoubtedly plummet into the abyss.
"By the time we follow procedure, they will already be gone."
Since the head of the Flower Honey Garden had died, information had already leaked.
If they followed formal procedures after reporting and then mobilized the battalion, the targets would have long since disappeared.
Dismissing his subordinates' advice, Bu Eun-seol immediately set the Death Shadow War Unit in motion toward Yunnan.
"The Martial Soul Lord has gone mad."
The Demon Hall's key figures were aghast, shaking their heads in disbelief as Bu Eun-seol arbitrarily moved the battalion and departed.
Even Dan Wol-hon, the Demon Gathering Bureau Chief who commanded most of the Demon Hall's forces, reported when mobilizing troops on the scale of a battalion.
Yet Bu Eun-seol, who had only just become the successor, was moving a battalion on a whim?
"I don't know what he's thinking, but this time, he's gone too far! Even if the Demonic Heavenly Emperor forgives him!"
Eventually, the Hall Master-level officials who had always looked down on Bu Eun-seol began openly voicing their discontent.
"We cannot stand idly by with such a reckless successor!"
"Exactly! When he returns, we must demand punishment from the Demonic Heavenly Emperor!"
The Hall Masters' grievances grew louder, coalescing into a unified outcry.
The moment Bu Eun-seol returned to the Demon Hall, they intended to strip him of his position and initiate disciplinary proceedings.
But then, strange rumors suddenly began spreading through the martial world.
"The Demon Hall's Death Shadow War Unit has annihilated the Five Poisons Sect."
Word spread that the Death Shadow War Unit, led by Bu Eun-seol, had completely eradicated the supposedly long-destroyed Five Poisons Sect of Yunnan.
"The Five Poisons Sect? Annihilating a sect that was already destroyed long ago? What does that even mean?"
Martial artists who heard the rumors were stunned.
The Five Poisons Sect was said to have been mysteriously wiped out over a hundred years ago.
Yet, unbeknownst to any intelligence network, they had secretly reestablished themselves in Yunnan.
"The Five Poisons Sect had been kidnapping children from across the Central Plains for human experimentation!"
Soon, the reasons behind the Death Shadow War Unit's extermination of the sect—along with irrefutable evidence—began surfacing.
It was revealed that the Five Poisons Sect had been abducting children for human experimentation for over thirty years.
The Death Shadow War Unit had not only annihilated them but also meticulously disclosed all the evidence.
As the shocking news spread, intelligence organizations across the martial world swiftly mobilized.
"The Death Shadow War Unit's announcement was true."
"They were secretly kidnapping children using the Killing Sect."
And they confirmed that everything the Death Shadow War Unit had revealed was fact.
The martial artists couldn't help but be shocked.
That the Five Poisons Sect, long thought extinct, still existed was astonishing enough.
But to go so far as to abduct children and commit such heinous crimes?
The orthodox factions, including the Martial Alliance, were especially stunned.
The fact that the Five Poisons Sect had been openly active despite being presumed gone, the truth about the child abductions—
None of the orthodox factions' intelligence networks had detected any of it.
—Does their information network surpass ours?
—While we were oblivious, the Heir of the Demon Hall was the one who solved the child abduction cases across the Central Plains...
From the mouths of the orthodox faction came gasps of horror and disbelief,
—They picked a fine successor, didn't they?
—Indeed. Stirring up storms day after day, and now he's raised the prestige of the Demon Hall once more.
While from the demonic path, sighs of admiration and praise poured forth.
Truly, the name Bu Eun-seol was resonating through both the righteous and demonic factions day after day.
Singular Light Pavilion, Supreme Cult Commander Yeop Hyo-cheon's Office
Having annihilated the Five Poisons Sect and returned with the Death Shadow War Unit's forces, Bu Eun-seol now stood alone with the Supreme Cult Commander, Yeop Hyo-cheon.
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor had abruptly entered closed-door cultivation, after all.
Rumors said his martial arts and internal power had undergone another sudden, explosive advancement, forcing him into seclusion to stabilize the surging energy.
"Martial Soul Lord. Your actions never cease to amaze this Cult Leader."
Yeop Hyo-cheon wore a faint smile as he regarded Bu Eun-seol.
"This expedition has once again made the prestige of our Hall ripple through the martial world. You've worked hard."
His gaze and demeanor were almost grandfatherly, as if looking upon a beloved grandson.
But Bu Eun-seol was no longer fooled by that smile.
Even if today he was useful enough to be doted on like a grandson, the moment he became useless tomorrow, his head would roll without hesitation.
That was the way of the demonic path.
"Moreover, thanks to this incident, even those within our Hall who harbored resentment toward you have been silenced. Well done."
"My thanks."
Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled contentedly.
"But tell me—how did you uncover the Five Poisons Sect's activities and their atrocities?"
In the past, Bu Eun-seol might have wrapped the truth in layers of lies to answer such a question.
But now, as the Martial Soul Lord, he saw no need for elaborate deception. He simply concealed the facts outright.
"I happened to hear of it through a reliable informant."
"Hohoho."
Yeop Hyo-cheon chuckled dismissively and nodded.
"Well, with the vast intelligence network of the Fleeting Moment Boat in your grasp, I suppose that's possible."
Then he spoke again.
"At any rate, with the Demonic Heavenly Emperor in seclusion... this Cult Leader shall bestow your reward in his stead."
He placed an envelope on the table.
"...What is this?"
"The Four Stars (—birth chart)."
"Why would you give me a—"
"Isn't it about time you settled down?"
Bu Eun-seol couldn't hide his baffled expression.
"The Four Stars are traditionally sent alongside a marriage proposal after engagement negotiations are finalized, are they not?"
"Since when do martial artists fuss over such trivial formalities?"
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"Unfortunately, as an orphan, I have no birth records for divination."
"Hohoho. If one born an orphan in the demonic path could rise to become a Lord through sheer merit, would you be standing here?"
Yeop Hyo-cheon grinned widely.
"The Four Stars weren't brought for matchmaking. I merely wished to hear your thoughts, Lord."
Then, lowering his voice, he added:
"This Cult Leader has no intention of playing matchmaker. This is solely for the sake of your future, Martial Soul Lord."
"I don't understand."
"Read it first."
Reluctantly, Bu Eun-seol opened the envelope.
Inside lay a sheet of pristine white paper, neatly folded.
As he slowly unfolded it, he found a woman's name and birth hour written upon it.
His pupils gradually dilated as he read.
"Jin Seol—?"
To his shock, the name written at the top was none other than Jin Seol.
"You mean Upper Blossom Jin? Lady Jin?"
Yeop Hyo-cheon nodded.
"Correct."
Then, with solemn gravity, he said:
"Obtain Jin Seol. If you wish to become the next ruler of the demonic path, you must have her."
"...Why?"
"Because securing her is no different from seizing half of the Demonic Martial World."
The words made no sense.
Jin Seol. She was merely the Upper Blossom who managed all ceremonial affairs within the Demon Hall.
Of course, rising to such a prestigious position at a young age—one that brought her into direct contact with the highest echelons like the Demonic Heavenly Emperor and the Elders' Hall Master—was remarkable.
But was that all there was to her?
'The Supreme Cult Commander couldn't possibly be unaware of my inclinations.'
He knew full well that Bu Eun-seol wasn't the type to seek power through marriage.
Yet he made such a proposal regardless?
There had to be another scheme at play.
As if reading his thoughts, Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled meaningfully.
"The reason will become clear once you are betrothed to her."
Coming from the Supreme Cult Commander, this was no idle talk.
Which meant his words held two truths:
First—becoming betrothed to Jin Seol truly would grant him half the Demonic Martial World.
Second—no matter how extensive Bu Eun-seol's intelligence network was, he would never uncover the secret Jin Seol carried.
'I'll find out for myself.'
With that resolve in his heart, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"Though I appreciate the offer, I have no intention of starting a family at this time."
There was still much Bu Eun-seol had to do.
And who knew how it would all end? The thought of leisurely settling down had never even crossed his mind.
"I'm not asking you to decide right now."
Yeop Hyo-cheon wore a faint smile.
"This is merely this Cult Leader's selfish wish, nothing more."
Bu Eun-seol's brow twitched.
Though Bu Eun-seol had become the Heir of the Demon Hall, Yeop Hyo-cheon still spoke in riddles.
'He must be confident I'll react exactly as he wants.'
Changing his approach, Bu Eun-seol smiled and clasped his hands together.
"Understood. Then I shall take my time to consider it."
"Good. Now, I must attend a meeting, so I shall take my leave first."
Yeop Hyo-cheon's expression truly resembled that of a doting grandfather arranging a match for his beloved grandson.
But the gaze Bu Eun-seol fixed upon him only grew colder.
"Very well."
With a respectful bow, Bu Eun-seol slowly turned away.
As he stepped outside the Singular Light Pavilion, numerous figures of Hall Master rank were approaching.
Likely, they were here to attend the meeting presided over by the Supreme Cult Commander.
"Martial Soul Lord!"
Upon seeing Bu Eun-seol, they all greeted him warmly with clasped hands—even those who had once cursed him with veins bulging in their necks.
But now, after annihilating the Five Poisons Sect, Bu Eun-seol's fame had shaken the entire murim.
No matter what he did from this point on, none would dare utter a word of dissent.
Step. Step.
Acknowledging their greetings with a slight nod, Bu Eun-seol strode confidently away from the pavilion.
In the past, those who held grudges would have shot him disdainful glances or muttered under their breath, but now, not a single soul dared.
From that day onward...
Bu Eun-seol secluded himself in his quarters, deep in meditation.
Having dealt with the Five Poisons Sect so abruptly, he hadn't even had the chance to properly digest the insights he'd gained from the Martial Alliance, let alone fully comprehend them.
When the members of the Death Shadow War Unit noticed his prolonged seclusion, they realized he was in closed-door training and kept their distance.
Even the attendants were warned not to wander near his quarters, lest they disrupt his focus.
But in truth, none of that mattered.
His meditation had long surpassed the stage where external disturbances could unsettle his spirit and mind.
Had it not, he wouldn't have been able to contemplate martial insights within his own quarters.
'Truly, the Three Venerables are the Three Venerables. Even within the Martial Extreme Realm, the heights reached by orthodox masters differ starkly from those of the Demonic Path.'
Jeok Bung, Ak Mu-ryeong, and the Demonic Heavenly Emperor—
These masters, standing at the pinnacle of the Demonic Path's Martial Extreme Realm, all placed the essence of martial arts in the 'heart'.
Jeok Bung had pressured Bu Eun-seol's spirit through casual conversation, while Ak Mu-ryeong had directly assaulted his mind with the power of Phantom Restoration.
And the Demonic Heavenly Emperor had proven, through the Emotion Severing Secret Art, that the resilience of the spirit was the resilience of martial arts itself.
But Buddha Venerable Hong-hyeon was different.
Using Prajna Great Power, he had altered the martial principles of Bu Eun-seol's Thirteenfold Qi Induction, dissolving it in an instant.
In other words, he pursued the profound force of qi as the foundation of martial arts, manipulating even the principles of martial techniques through it.
'Is this why the Demonic Path and the Orthodox Path diverged?'
All Streams Return to the Source.
When martial arts reach their zenith, all seemingly disparate principles converge into one.
But the martial arts of the Demonic Path and the Orthodox Path were fundamentally different in nature—like oil and water, never meant to mix.
'For now, I should focus on refining the Martial Emperor's Enlightenment Art and the Thirteenfold Qi Induction.'
The Thirteenfold Qi Induction, elevated by his recent insight from the Buddha Venerable, had grown even more formidable—so much so that it now surpassed the Willful True Binding, which had long been his final trump card.
Moreover, it consumed far less internal power, and its execution required no separate preparation for counterattacks, making it a perfectly balanced martial art—both offense and defense in harmony.
'In the end, I'll have to make a choice someday.'
Bu Eun-seol could sense it.
The day would come when he reached the extreme pinnacle of martial arts—and when it did, he, too, would have to choose.
Between the Orthodox and the Demonic. At that crossroads.
Chirp. Chirp. Chirp...
As he emerged from meditation, the cheerful song of birds gently reached his ears.
Slowly opening his eyes, Bu Eun-seol rose and stepped outside.
"Lord!"
The moment he appeared, Won Se-mun came bounding over with a beaming smile.
"Have you finished your closed-door training?"
"I have."
"But, Lord... Are you getting married?"
"What nonsense is this?"
Bu Eun-seol frowned, and Won Se-mun glanced around before speaking.
"Rumors are spreading like wildfire through the Hall that you're searching for a bride."
A flash of light flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
'So the details of my private audience in the Singular Light Pavilion have leaked.'
There was no way a private discussion within the Holy Demon Pavilion or the Singular Light Pavilion could have reached outsiders.
Which meant Yeop Hyo-cheon had deliberately spread the rumors himself.
'He must be serious.'
Exhaling softly through his nose, Bu Eun-seol dismissed it curtly.
"False rumors."
Then, with an indifferent expression, he turned away.
But Bu Eun-seol did not yet know—
What repercussions such rumors would bring.
Nor that because of them... even figures he could not handle would soon arrive, one after another, at the Demon Hall.