Chapter 358
Within the Secret Shadow Pavilion's secret chamber.
A subtle silver fragrance wafted through the air, soothing both body and mind. A table and bookshelf, crafted from sandalwood, stood imposingly in the space.
And at that table, two shadows sat facing each other.
Bu Eun-seol. And the Secret Shadow Pavilion's Lord, Hwa Jung-cheon.
Hwa Jung-cheon had welcomed Bu Eun-seol, who had arrived unannounced, with a gentleness and goodwill unlike before.
And that, in itself, was proof that Bu Eun-seol was now steadily advancing along the path of a stable successor.
"What brings you here?"
Hwa Jung-cheon gazed at Bu Eun-seol, who had a teacup placed before him, and spoke.
"You didn't come simply because you suddenly wished to see this Pavilion Lord."
"I came to ask about the Deputy Hall Lord of the Demon Hall."
Bu Eun-seol did not beat around the bush—he asked directly.
However, unlike before, his tone was calm and respectful, as if addressing an elder.
"The Deputy Hall Lord has been missing for decades. Yet why is the position still left vacant?"
Hwa Jung-cheon furrowed his brow slightly before answering.
"Such a question would be better directed at the Hall Lord or the Supreme Cult Commander, would it not?"
"I came to hear the Pavilion Lord's opinion."
"My opinion, you say."
Bu Eun-seol replied frankly.
"The Demonic Heavenly Emperor is in seclusion, and the Supreme Cult Commander is unlikely to give me a straightforward answer."
"Hahaha."
Hwa Jung-cheon let out a quiet laugh at Bu Eun-seol's unabashed words.
"That might be the most honest thing I've heard in a long while."
Then, nodding, he continued.
"Since the Lord is speaking so candidly, this Pavilion Lord shall do the same."
"Please do."
"The Lord has overcome many trials and secured his position as a successor—that much I acknowledge."
"But even so, I cannot say it is perfect. To be even more honest, you still have a long way to go."
"So you remain neutral, then."
"Indeed."
Hwa Jung-cheon fixed Bu Eun-seol with a deep, subdued gaze.
"Therefore, if this Pavilion Lord provides the Lord with any information, the Lord must also be prepared to bear an equivalent loss."
Bu Eun-seol immediately understood his meaning and nodded.
He was still maintaining neutrality—so if he were to give Bu Eun-seol information about certain individuals?
It meant he would also pass along information about Bu Eun-seol to those very same individuals.
"You are exceedingly forthright."
"I have no choice but to be."
Hwa Jung-cheon gave a bitter smile and stroked his chin.
"If I didn't make this clear beforehand, would the Lord not inevitably draw his blade and point it at my neck?"
"Very well."
Bu Eun-seol nodded decisively.
"I will accept all losses the Pavilion Lord has mentioned. Now, speak."
"Hmm. You wished to hear my opinion on why the Deputy Hall Lord's position remains vacant..."
Hwa Jung-cheon exhaled deeply and settled further into his chair.
"First, I must explain how the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade, Bu Jan-yang, became the former Deputy Hall Lord. The process itself must be recounted."
Drawing a deep breath, Hwa Jung-cheon stared not at Bu Eun-seol, but into empty space.
"To put it simply... he ascended to the position because he received the support of a majority of the Demonic Path Ten Gates."
"However, the exact reason was never made clear. Only rumors ran rampant—that he had seized upon the weaknesses of the Ten Gates."
For a moment, his eyes grew distant, as if sifting through memories.
"The one originally slated to become Deputy Hall Lord was the then-Vice Sect Leader of the Fire Rain Sword Sect—the Evil Courage Sword, Gyo Ak."
Hwa Jung-cheon spoke again.
"But then, six of the Ten Gates—excluding the Fire Rain Sword Sect, the Heaven-Severing Earth-Ending Sanctuary, the Muha Water Jade Pavilion, and Langya Pavilion—suddenly nominated the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade for the position. And so, he became the Deputy Hall Lord."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes narrowed.
A leading candidate abruptly withdrawing, and an unexpected figure gaining majority support to take the position?
If so, then as Hwa Jung-cheon said—whether he had seized upon their weaknesses or offered them some irresistible benefit—it was clear that some kind of covenant had existed behind the scenes.
"What could possibly serve as leverage over the Ten Gates?"
When Bu Eun-seol asked, as if unable to comprehend, Hwa Jung-cheon wore a dry smile.
"It may not be the case now, but forty years ago, the martial arts of the Ten Gates had an inexplicable compatibility issue. Because of this, many of their techniques were mutually vulnerable."
Hwa Jung-cheon's voice was low.
"The Evil Spirit Spear was particularly helpless against the White Horse Temple's exploits, and the Killing Arts of the Ultimate Assassin Pavilion became as flimsy as a husk before Langya Pavilion's Practical Combat Martial Arts."
"Hmm."
"Indeed, during that time, the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade repeatedly clashed with the Masters of the Demonic Path Ten Gates. Yet rumors circulated that whenever he fought, he employed martial arts that countered the inherent weaknesses between the Ten Gates."
"Isn't it common to learn an opponent's martial principles mid-battle? This one has also prioritized mastering such techniques above all else."
"Not merely mimicking the principles of martial arts—the rumors claimed he executed them with decades of refinement, flawlessly."
Bu Eun-seol shook his head in disbelief, though astonishment flickered in his eyes.
"If the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade could wield the martial arts of the Demonic Path Ten Gates to perfection, there's no way he would have been allowed to ascend to the position of Deputy Hall Lord."
If he had stolen their secret techniques? Wouldn't the Demonic Path Ten Gates have turned their full fury upon him?
"Had there been proof, that would have been the case."
Yet Hwa Jung-cheon's expression remained unperturbed.
"But the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade left almost no scars behind—not just on the Righteous Faction's members, but even after slaughtering countless Masters of the Demonic Path Ten Gates. Likely, he took measures to ensure no traces could be uncovered."
Bu Eun-seol realized another truth.
The Seven Fingers Demonic Blade had deliberately erased the remnants of his martial techniques.
"This makes no sense."
Bu Eun-seol frowned.
"If the Pavilion Lord's words hold, then the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade blackmailed the Demonic Path Ten Gates into making him the Deputy Hall Lord of the Demon Hall?"
No matter how formidable the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade was as the strongest swordsman of the Demonic Path—he was still one man.
To coerce the Demonic Path Ten Gates, who represented half the Demonic Path's might, into accepting him as their Deputy Hall Lord?
The claim was too riddled with holes to take at face value.
"It's difficult to believe such a thing was possible."
"Of course, there's no way to verify it. Rumors are just rumors."
Even if Hwa Jung-cheon spoke the truth, confirmation was impossible.
Were one to ask the six Gates' leaders, "Did the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade coerce you?"—none would admit to it.
"However, as if supporting those rumors, the martial techniques of the Demonic Path Ten Gates advanced dazzlingly afterward."
Hwa Jung-cheon's expression turned meaningful.
"As though they were making up for their unique martial arts having been exposed. Moreover, the inherent incompatibilities between the Gates' arts vanished entirely."
After a moment of contemplation, Bu Eun-seol spoke.
"Then couldn't the rumors be interpreted differently?"
"How so?"
Bu Eun-seol replied flatly.
"The Deputy Hall Lord offered the six Gates a secret—one that allowed their martial arts to progress spectacularly."
"And thus, those six sects couldn't refuse the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade's proposal... or so it could be said."
Hwa Jung-cheon's eyebrows lifted slightly.
"You might be the first to interpret the rumor that way, Lord."
After a brief frown, he shook his head.
"Still, no matter how I consider it, the probability is negligible. By all accounts, the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade never had favorable relations with the Demonic Path Ten Gates."
He continued, voice low.
"In fact, after his ascension as Deputy Hall Lord, the unity of the Ten Gates crumbled. They grew suspicious of one another."
"Suspicious?"
"Rumors spread that one among the Ten Gates had secretly colluded with the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade—a traitor in their midst."
Bu Eun-seol drew a deep breath.
So the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade Bu Jan-yang's maneuvers within the Demon Hall were this intricate.
Perhaps he deliberately spread those rumors himself.
The collapse of unbreakable bonds begins with the smallest seeds of doubt.
If the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade had orchestrated those rumors—
He would have fractured the Ten Gates' unity, weaving cracks of distrust among them.
That explains White Horse Monastery's reaction.
Bu Eun-seol's lips curled into a bitter smile.
Now he understood why the Monastery's leadership had raged when questioned about the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade's whereabouts.
They feared being branded as the traitors who had aided him.
Even decades later, they tremble at old whispers.
They're afraid.
At last, Bu Eun-seol comprehended.
The Demonic Path—the Demonic Path Ten Gates—
They feared Bu Jan-yang.
Afraid he might return at any moment. So much so that none dared claim the seat he left vacant.
"Yet regardless of the Ten Gates' stance, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor must have had his own intentions."
"That remains unknown. The Hall Lord has always been indifferent to most affairs beyond the Demon Hall's core matters."
Hwa Jung-cheon added frankly,
"Besides, from the Hall Lord's perspective, the weakening of the Ten Gates' unity wasn't entirely disadvantageous."
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor had the Demonic Path Ten Gates under his command,
yet he couldn't wield them recklessly.
It was a balance of power. The combined might of the Demonic Path Ten Gates standing united was nearly equal to the forces commanded by the Demonic Heavenly Emperor himself.
In other words, mutual suspicion and checks among the Demonic Path Ten Gates were circumstances the Demonic Heavenly Emperor would welcome.
"Does that answer your question?"
At Hwa Jung-cheon's inquiry, Bu Eun-seol emerged from his thoughts. He respectfully clasped his hands together.
"It has been most enlightening."
When Bu Eun-seol showed such courtesy, Hwa Jung-cheon responded with a surprised expression.
"There's no need for such formalities. After all, every word of our conversation will inevitably reach the Demonic Path Ten Gates."
"Yet you broke protocol to share personal insights. For that alone, I'm grateful."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly as he continued.
"And I've also learned that the Pavilion Lord shares the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's intentions."
This conversation made one thing clear.
The Secret Shadow Pavilion Lord stood not with the Demonic Path Ten Gates, but with the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
Had Hwa Jung-cheon been aligned with the Demonic Path Ten Gates, he would never have shared such information even with a blade at his throat.
"Hoohoho."
Hwa Jung-cheon emitted a peculiar laugh.
"Have you considered that perhaps all of this—the Demonic Heavenly Emperor foresaw your movements... and ordered me to share these very words?"
"Are you trying to confuse me now?"
Bu Eun-seol responded frankly.
"Of course I considered that possibility. The Demonic Heavenly Emperor... is certainly capable of such calculations."
"Hoohoho. To proceed despite knowing... You intended to use this old man to further provoke the Demonic Path Ten Gates, didn't you?"
Hwa Jung-cheon seemed to have discerned Bu Eun-seol's intentions, releasing another enigmatic smile.
Bu Eun-seol's planned maneuver—
Hwa Jung-cheon had seen through it—that this private meeting was meant to stir up the Demonic Path Ten Gates once more.
"Let me say one final thing."
Bu Eun-seol paused mid-step, his voice turning icy.
"Please ensure I never have reason to behead the Pavilion Lord."
Hwa Jung-cheon fell silent briefly, then narrowed his eyes.
He murmured something cryptic:
"Through human determination, one may conquer heaven."
Man Conquers Heaven—the philosophy that through effort, humans can overcome celestial will.
That through perseverance, one might alter fate itself.
Bu Eun-seol contemplated these words before shaking his head.
"I don't believe in fate."
With that final remark, he departed the Secret Shadow Pavilion.
Several days later.
Bu Eun-seol convened the Lord's Meeting.
To share the intelligence gained from the Secret Shadow Pavilion Lord and discuss future plans.
From this meeting onward, he formally included the Kill-Seeking Unit Leader, So Ja-myeong, in the Lord's Meetings.
Fulfilling his past promise to So Ja-myeong—to gradually bring the Kill-Seeking Unit into the light through phased plans.
Creak.
As Bu Eun-seol entered the conference hall, the assembled lords rose and clasped their hands.
But their expressions were unusually subdued. The typically boisterous pre-meeting atmosphere was conspicuously absent.
"What's happened?"
Sensing the strange mood, Bu Eun-seol inquired. Yu Un-ryong exhaled deeply before responding.
"A summons arrived."
"A summons?"
"From the Fire Rain Sword Sect."
Yu Un-ryong presented Bu Eun-seol with a gold-embossed letter.
Slowly unfolding the missive, Bu Eun-seol's eyes swiftly scanned its contents.
It contained an invitation—to the seventieth birthday celebration of the Fire Rain Sword Sect Leader, the Profound Demon.
'They've taken the bait.'
A flash passed through Bu Eun-seol's pupils.
His private audience with the Secret Shadow Pavilion Lord had been like casting a fishing line into turbulent waters.
And the first to bite was none other than the Fire Rain Sword Sect.
"It's a trap."
So Ja-myeong broke the silence.
"Rumors are spreading throughout the Demonic Path Ten Gates that the Lord is thoroughly investigating the Deputy Hall Lord's activities."
His expression grew graver as he continued.
"Moreover, Sect Leader Profound Demon rarely appears—not just in the martial world, but even within the Fire Rain Sword Sect itself. Some say all major and minor sect affairs are actually handled by their Chief Instructor, the Sword Demon, Wi Hyeok-gun."
Myo Cheon-u nodded in agreement.
"They've maintained nothing but hostility toward us until now. You absolutely mustn't accept this invitation."
Yet Bu Eun-seol calmly shook his head.
"It doesn't matter."
"My Lord."
So Ja-myeong spoke with urgent seriousness.
"While the Demonic Heavenly Emperor sits at the pinnacle of the Demonic Path, there's a saying: 'The Fire Rain Sword Sect upholds the Demonic Martial World.' Their influence within demonic circles is unmatched."
So Ja-myeong's words were no exaggeration.
The Fire Rain Sword Sect was the largest single force within the Demonic Path, wielding immense influence to match.
In some circles, there were even whispers that the true leader of the Demonic Path was not the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, but rather the sect leader of the Fire Rain Sword Sect.
"If you enter that place, there's no guarantee you'll come out alive. Even if the Demonic Heavenly Emperor demands answers... if something happens within the Fire Rain Sword Sect, they'll have the confidence to cover it up completely."
Seeing that Bu Eun-seol's expression remained unchanged, So Ja-myeong spoke again with grave seriousness.
"Is there really a need to take such a risk and meet the sect leader of the Fire Rain Sword Sect?"
"There is."
Bu Eun-seol replied calmly.
"Our objectives align."
"Excuse me?"
"Just as they seek to uncover my true intentions, I, too, intend to thoroughly investigate their circumstances and motives."
A cold smile curled on his lips as he continued.
"And now that the Fire Rain Sword Sect is voluntarily offering me the opportunity to do so, how could I let this chance slip away?"
"You can't."
So Ja-myeong objected once more, his voice pleading.
"The Fire Rain Sword Sect has only invited you, Lord. That means you can bring, at most, a single attendant."
He pressed on.
"Even the Kill-Seeking Unit won't be able to stand by within their territory. They'll be found and expelled immediately."
Though his words were indirect, the meaning was clear.
Once inside the Fire Rain Sword Sect, not even Bu Eun-seol could guarantee his own survival.
"It's fine."
"Lord—"
Bu Eun-seol remained unshaken.
"If I don't take this risk, how else am I supposed to investigate the Fire Rain Sword Sect—the foremost sect of the Demonic Path?"
Yet So Ja-myeong still wore an expression of disbelief.
Entering the Fire Rain Sword Sect with just one attendant? No matter how exceptional Bu Eun-seol's martial arts and intellect were, this plan was far too reckless.
At that moment, Yu Un-ryong nodded as if he had realized something.
"You anticipated that the Demonic Path Ten Gates would make contact ever since you met the Secret Shadow Pavilion's commander, didn't you?"
"Correct."
"Do you have a plan?"
When Bu Eun-seol nodded, Yu Un-ryong also nodded, seemingly reassured.
"Then that settles it."
His eyes were filled with trust.
Even if Bu Eun-seol appeared reckless, he never acted without forethought. That was something everyone in the Death Shadow War Unit knew well.
So Ja-myeong let out a troubled sigh.
He, too, was well aware of Bu Eun-seol's intellect and capabilities. But this time, he simply couldn't understand.
However, seeing the unwavering trust in the eyes of all the squad leaders, he had no choice but to relent.
"Then... is there nothing the main force needs to do?"
Thud.
In response to So Ja-myeong's question, Bu Eun-seol retrieved a small box from his robes and placed it on the table.
"Have the fastest member of the Kill-Seeking Unit deliver this."
"Where to?"
"Sword Brow Mountain's Langya Pavilion. Deliver this box and a letter to Master Cheol there."
"To Langya Pavilion?"
"Yes. Once Master Cheol receives the box and reads the letter, he'll understand."
Though still confused, So Ja-myeong bowed his head.
"Understood."
"Then, as for the attendant... it should be either me or Squad Leader Wi."
Myo Cheon-u stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Among the squad leaders, Myo Cheon-u possessed the most outstanding martial arts.
But Wi Cheon-gyeong's movement technique was nearly as fast as Bu Eun-seol's, and his insight and intellect were exceptional.
Depending on the situation, he could prove to be the most valuable ally to Bu Eun-seol.
"That's already been decided."
"Won Se-mun."
Bu Eun-seol pointed at Won Se-mun, who had been sitting in a daze with bloodshot eyes.
"Huh?"
Having drunk heavily all night before attending the meeting, not only were his eyes red, but his entire face was slightly flushed.
"M-Me, Lord?"
As Won Se-mun's eyes widened, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"Yes."
"Hahaha!"
Suddenly, he leaped up from his seat, clapping his hands together.
"So the Lord has finally recognized my worth!"
"Absolutely not!"
At that moment, Wi Cheon-gyeong and Jo Nam-cheon stood up simultaneously, speaking in unison.
"You know full well this guy can't tell front from back!"
"Exactly. Won Se-mun is out of the question."
Yu Un-ryong followed up with a worried expression.
"The Fire Rain Sword Sect has always been underhanded. The moment you arrive, they'll try to undermine the Martial Soul Lord's dignity with some petty scheme."
The squad leaders vehemently opposed the idea.
The Death Shadow War Unit—no, the Demon Hall's greatest reckless ruffian—as the only attendant on a visit to the Fire Rain Sword Sect, a place more dangerous than Yama Hall itself?
"The decision is final."
Bu Eun-seol's expression was resolute, and the squad leaders could only shake their heads helplessly.
And so, it was decided—Bu Eun-seol and Won Se-mun would go alone to the Fire Rain Sword Sect, a place more terrifying and perilous than even Yama Hall.