Chapter 379
After leaving the Namgung Estate, Bu Eun-seol immediately headed for Langya Pavilion.
At first, he had intended to return to Langya Pavilion to recover his exhausted body and mind and seek help.
But then he realized two things.
That he was no longer a disciple sheltered under Langya Pavilion's wing.
And that even Langya Pavilion could not escape the clutches of the Shadow Force.
'It's not so strange for the orthodox and unorthodox factions to have spies planted among them. If that's the case, then our pavilion is no exception.'
Until now, he had coincidentally crushed or disrupted the schemes of the Shadow Force—those who had planted spies within the orthodox and unorthodox factions.
But upon learning that even Namgung Poong, a direct descendant of the Namgung Clan, had become their pawn, he realized just how dire the situation was.
Supreme Martial Lord.
To seize control of the leadership of both orthodox and unorthodox factions and manipulate them at will? Were they not, in essence, the very incarnation of the Supreme Martial Lord?
Moreover, their actions weren't merely about recklessly stirring up chaos or dominating the martial world. They undoubtedly had a grander objective.
And to achieve that goal, they had embedded spies within the factions and were manipulating their leaders.
This was not something to be taken lightly—not as the heir of the Demon Hall, nor as the legitimate successor of Langya Pavilion.
'In any case, they already hold the upper hand in terms of intelligence.'
Bu Eun-seol mobilized his information network with all his might, but he could not trace the whereabouts of Elder Poong, who had fled the Namgung Estate.
Of course, he had expected as much.
Every Shadow Force he had encountered so far had consistently surpassed even Bu Eun-seol—no, even the Demon Hall's intelligence capabilities.
But Bu Eun-seol had no intention of giving up.
He took his time, moving slowly yet relentlessly, keeping his information network active.
Surely, the day would come when they would slip up—or when he could catch them, even if by sheer chance.
'Naturally, there must be spies within our pavilion as well.'
No Bong, who had been at the Heavenly Flower Mountain Villa in Kaifeng, had seen right through Langya Pavilion's discovery of the Artificial Dantians.
Which meant he could also see right through the internal affairs of Langya Pavilion.
Bu Eun-seol first informed Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying and Muha Suyujung of these facts and instructed them to root out any potential spies.
And now, he was going to Langya Pavilion in person to inform Deputy Pavilion Master Dan Cheong and discuss the matter.
Langya Pavilion, Clear Wind Pavilion.
This was the office of Langya Pavilion's Deputy Pavilion Master, Dan Cheong.
Due to the recent explosive increase in disciples and administrative affairs, his workload had grown exponentially.
As a result, he hardly ever had a leisurely day, always buried in his office wrestling with piles of documents.
But at the moment, no documents were in sight, and Dan Cheong sat quite comfortably, enjoying his tea.
The reason he could afford such an idle lifestyle?
It was because, as Langya Pavilion's scale had grown uncontrollably, after much deliberation, they had established the General Will Bureau—divided into three departments—to assist Dan Cheong with his duties.
The First Department supported Deputy Pavilion Master Dan Cheong, who effectively managed Langya Pavilion in place of the Pavilion Master, and coordinated information between various units.
The Second Department efficiently managed and operated assets, while the Third Department oversaw Langya Pavilion's various events and ceremonies.
Thanks to the General Will Bureau, Dan Cheong had finally escaped the endless hell of paperwork.
And now, he could enjoy a leisurely life, simply reviewing the documents submitted by the bureau.
Just then, a soft knock sounded at the door, followed by an attendant's voice.
"The Martial Soul Lord has arrived to see you."
"Let him in."
Dan Cheong set down his teacup and spoke in a relaxed tone.
He had already received word from the Wind Cloud Brigade that Bu Eun-seol was heading to Langya Pavilion.
"Deputy Pavilion Master."
The door opened, and a tall, imposing young man bowed his head.
It was Bu Eun-seol, who had rushed here in one breath from the Namgung Estate.
Clink.
Dan Cheong, who had been observing Bu Eun-seol, set down his teacup with a startled expression.
'The fluctuations of his True Qi have completely vanished?'
For someone of Bu Eun-seol's martial prowess to have no trace of True Qi fluctuations—
That was only possible if one had reached the Harmonized Golden Source realm, where internal energy was no longer stored in the dantian but evenly dispersed across all meridians and blood channels.
"W-well."
Dan Cheong nodded with an expression of complete resignation.
"The, the air of the Demon Hall must be quite good, I see."
His pupils had lost focus.
Come to think of it, Bu Eun-seol had never followed the conventional stages of martial progression even once.
"The air... you say?"
"Ah, never mind."
Dan Cheong shook his head.
He had resolved not to even attempt to understand or make sense of Bu Eun-seol's rate of martial development.
"But what brings you here? Surely the Lord must be busy with many affairs?"
Noticing the grim look on Bu Eun-seol's face, Dan Cheong gestured to the seat across from him.
"Sit first. Let's talk over a cup of tea."
When the attendant brought out the tea, Bu Eun-seol reflexively checked what kind had been brewed.
He had endured far too much harassment from martial masters who were tea connoisseurs during his travels.
'The Deputy Pavilion Master drinks ordinary loose-leaf tea.'
The tea Dan Cheong was drinking was a cheap variety—wild tea leaves simply roasted and fermented.
'Well, of course.'
Bu Eun-seol inwardly nodded.
Tea was a luxury.
No matter how much their circumstances had improved, Langya Pavilion was still Langya Pavilion. Dan Cheong upheld the duty of a martial artist, maintaining a frugal lifestyle.
Gulp.
Bu Eun-seol took a light sip.
Though it was a taste one could find anywhere, Bu Eun-seol felt as though he had eaten a warm home-cooked meal—his stomach settled with unexpected comfort.
"Now then, speak. What exactly is the matter?"
"There is something I have not yet told you."
Setting down his teacup, Bu Eun-seol began to speak.
He recounted in detail the many things he had experienced during his travels in the martial world.
However, he made no mention of the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade. That was not something to be carelessly spoken of yet.
"...A shadow force capable of not only restoring an annihilated sect in an instant but also planting a spy as the Sect Chief of the Beggars' Sect and even absorbing direct descendants of the Namgung Clan?"
Despite hearing everything, Dan Cheong did not seem particularly surprised.
"Well, it's not common, but it's hardly unprecedented in the martial world, is it?"
"Is... that so?"
Bu Eun-seol couldn't hide his bewildered expression.
He had expected Dan Cheong to leap up in alarm, summon Baek Yeon, and order an immediate investigation into the culprits.
Yet the man's face remained serene—no, indifferent—as if listening to a distant relative's trivial gossip.
"If you look back at the long history of the martial world, shadow forces hiding their identities and motives while manipulating events have always existed."
Dan Cheong spoke matter-of-factly.
"Unlike the righteous factions that claim to uphold the martial world's integrity, the Demonic and Heterodox Paths have always prioritized profit and influence. In essence, the two factions walk entirely different paths."
He took a sip of his now-cooled tea before continuing.
"Yet the simultaneous emergence of alliances like the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance was inevitable—because shadow forces have always existed in the martial world."
"You mean these alliances arose because of shadow forces?"
"Precisely. Secret societies and shadow forces always possess formidable cohesion and overwhelming power, don't they?"
Dan Cheong smiled faintly, as if stating the obvious.
"Crushing a single sect is easy... but toppling a massive alliance like the Demon Hall or the Martial Alliance is nearly impossible. Thus, such forces naturally emerge."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
Dan Cheong's perspective was entirely different from anything he had ever considered.
"I haven't uncovered their ultimate goal yet... but I've heard they manipulate sects at will and have orchestrated every Blood Calamity in the martial world so far."
Bu Eun-seol asked with utmost seriousness:
"Are you saying even that is natural?"
"Hmm. It may sound grandiose... but from a broader perspective, there's little difference."
Seeing Bu Eun-seol's utterly lost expression, Dan Cheong patiently explained.
"Regardless of orthodoxy or heterodoxy, martial sects ceaselessly strive to expand their influence. The Demonic Path devours other sects or seizes control of nearby commerce to extract tribute."
"The righteous factions, too, form friendly ties or wield overwhelming intelligence to exert influence in countless ways."
He met Bu Eun-seol's gaze squarely.
"In this way, martial factions inevitably employ various strategies to project their influence—whether over a single sect or the entire martial world. The only difference is the scale."
For a moment, Bu Eun-seol looked as if he had been struck on the back of the head.
Dan Cheong's words introduced a concept Bu Eun-seol had never even imagined.
"As I said, secret societies have existed since ancient times. Planting spies in sects or covertly manipulating people to achieve their goals is all too common."
"Common, you say...?"
"The Imperial Palace."
Dan Cheong crossed his arms.
"The Imperial Palace has, for generations, attempted to control the martial world as it pleases. Thus, most shadow forces historically trace back to the palace."
"I see."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
When Human Blossoms were cultivated in the Underground Castle, the Eastern Depot had been involved.
"But..."
Bu Eun-seol instinctively sensed it.
The mastermind behind these events was not someone from the Imperial Palace.
"From what I've witnessed, I suspect even the Imperial Palace may be nothing more than a chess piece to them."
"That could very well be the case. Listening to your account... it's no different from saying they've already seized control of Murim."
Dan Cheong studied Bu Eun-seol's complicated expression with a faint smile.
"Regardless, it was precisely because such incidents kept recurring that alliances like the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance came into existence. So that when formidable shadow forces emerged, they wouldn't be manipulated."
The Martial Alliance, on the surface, was an organization for the peace of Murim, so naturally, many sects had no choice but to unite their strength.
But the Demonic Path was different.
It was governed solely by the logic of power, prioritizing profit above all.
Yet the reason the Demonic Path could remain so tightly bound was precisely because of these circumstances.
To protect themselves from the inevitable emergence of shadow forces.
"But if the shadow forces' power is overwhelmingly strong, couldn't they manipulate even alliances like the Demon Hall or the Martial Alliance?"
"Of course, that's possible."
Dan Cheong smiled faintly.
"Then that, too, would simply be inevitable."
After a brief pause, he spoke again.
"The Demon Hall is where nearly half the strength of the Demonic Path is concentrated, with the Number One of the Demonic Path as its leader. If even the Demon Hall could be manipulated... wouldn't that mean they possess sufficient power and qualification to do so?"
Dan Cheong's words were clear.
If there existed a force capable of controlling even an alliance? That wouldn't be mere "manipulation"—it would be rightful "domination."
'So this is the Demonic Path.'
Bu Eun-seol nodded as he listened to Dan Cheong's explanation.
And once again, he felt the stark difference between the paths of the Demonic Path and the Righteous Faction.
If someone used power and schemes to dominate others? The Righteous Faction would condemn it as evil.
But in the Demonic Path, if someone dominated them through power and schemes?
That person would be acknowledged as a superior being, a true power—and that was simply the natural order.
"Surprised?"
Dan Cheong looked at Bu Eun-seol's face with a faint smile.
"I've known for a long time that you had the temperament of a Renowned Chivalrous Hero."
"No, I—"
"It's fine. Our pavilion has pursued only the Martial Way for generations. Even the boundaries between the Demonic Path and the Righteous Faction are blurred here."
Dan Cheong slowly rose from his seat and gazed out the window.
"However, chasing after those who claim to 'save Murim' or speak of shadow forces—that's the work of the Righteous Faction's people."
Turning his head, he looked at Bu Eun-seol.
"If you aim for the apex of the Demonic Path, why not build strength and influence so formidable that no shadow force could ever touch you?"
Dan Cheong's words struck Bu Eun-seol with another wave of realization.
Though he had lived as a disciple of the Demonic Path, Bu Eun-seol had never sought to dominate or oppress others.
In fact, examining his actions, he was closer to a Renowned Chivalrous Hero of the Righteous Faction.
But Dan Cheong believed that the emergence of secret societies and shadow forces in Murim was inevitable.
And that the strong dominating the weak was simply the natural order.
Now, he was telling Bu Eun-seol that if possible, he should become someone capable of swallowing even those forces whole.
'If I grow stronger... is that all it takes?'
From the perspective of the Demonic Path, that was the solution.
If he grew strong enough—if he attained power that no one could challenge—then that would be enough.
"Of course, to do that, you must first uncover your enemies."
Only then did Bu Eun-seol realize he had forgotten the most important reason he had come to Langya Pavilion.
"Couldn't there... be spies within the pavilion as well?"
"Hahaha. Did you rush here because of such worries?"
"Yes."
When Bu Eun-seol answered honestly, Dan Cheong chuckled deeply.
"Even if there were such spies in our pavilion, it wouldn't matter."
Then, with an expression brimming with pride, he spoke.
"Because that spy, too, would eventually become a true disciple of this pavilion."
In that moment, Bu Eun-seol understood.
No one could dominate or shake Langya Pavilion, where warriors were tightly united by their Martial Souls.
If a spy had infiltrated... they would either have to leave Langya Pavilion—or be reborn as a true disciple of the pavilion.
"I see."
Bu Eun-seol felt a surge of pride.
No matter the situation, Langya Pavilion would not waver. No matter how formidable a force appeared.
Langya Pavilion was Langya Pavilion.
That truth would never change.
Dan Cheong, watching Bu Eun-seol, wore a faint smile.
"Baek Yeon will return in a few days. After that, we'll mobilize the Wind and Cloud Corps to investigate this shadow force together. We must know who our enemy is."
"Understood. Thank you."
Bu Eun-seol felt a weight lift from his chest.
It was the reassurance of having Langya Pavilion as his steadfast support.
And the confirmation that even in the Demonic Path, governed by the logic of power, there were things that remained unshaken.
Returning immediately to the Demon Hall from Langya Pavilion, Bu Eun-seol convened another Lord's Meeting in the Death Shadow War Unit.
Considering the importance of information, he naturally included the Kill-Seeking Unit's leader, So Ja-myeong.
"...That's how things stand."
Bu Eun-seol explained that the Sect Chief of the Beggars' Sect and a direct descendant of the Namgung Clan were part of the Shadow Force.
Moreover, he revealed that there was a high probability of Shadow Force operatives existing within the leadership of all orthodox and unorthodox factions.
At that, silence fell over the conference room, as if a heavy air had descended.
Puppets.
If such a force truly existed within Murim, then weren't they all just puppets on a chessboard, dancing to the tune of someone else's intentions?
"It seems we'll have to delay the main force's emergence into the open a little longer."
After a long silence, Squad Leader So Ja-myeong of the Kill-Seeking Unit spoke with a bitter smile.
"If everything the Lord has said is true, then the main force should not yet step into the light."
The other squad leaders all nodded in agreement.
What Bu Eun-seol needed most right now was a covert unit—one that could operate in the shadows, gathering classified intelligence and executing secret missions.
"Ah, one more thing."
At that moment, Myo Cheon-u spoke up.
"While you were away, a deranged killer has been turning the Huguang region into a wasteland."
During Bu Eun-seol's travels in the martial world, a brutal Killing Ghost had emerged.
This figure roamed the vast Huguang region, indiscriminately slaughtering martial artists and commoners alike, day and night.
Countless martial artists had fallen victim, and even the Martial Alliance had dispatched masters to investigate—yet no trace of the killer had been found.
"He's not acting alone."
Bu Eun-seol said it as if it were obvious.
"A lone martial killer wouldn't be able to evade the Martial Alliance's pursuit."
Unless one possessed considerable intelligence-gathering capabilities, shaking off the Martial Alliance's pursuit was impossible.
"That's likely the case."
Myo Cheon-u crossed his arms and added,
"Since nothing has been uncovered so far, martial artists have taken to calling him the Shadowless Killing Ghost."
At that, Wi Cheon-gyeong, who had been listening silently, spoke up.
"But if we assume there's a mastermind behind him, this killer's methods are entirely different from any other ghost killers we've seen before."
Bu Eun-seol continued discussing several matters concerning the martial world's current state with the squad leaders.
"Then let's conclude today's meeting here."
Just as Bu Eun-seol rose from his seat, Yu Un-ryong spoke.
"Ah, one more thing—this is minor, but..."
After hesitating briefly, he scratched his head with an awkward expression.
"There's some rather unexpected news."
"Unexpected news?"
"Jin Seol, the Upper Blossom—she's engaged to a disciple of the Myriad Learning Society."
Not just Bu Eun-seol, but several squad leaders wore expressions of disbelief.
A figure like Jin Seol, marrying some nobody disciple of the Myriad Learning Society?
"That's absurd. It must be a false rumor."
Won Se-mun waved his hand dismissively.
"What could Jin Seol possibly lack that she'd marry some insignificant disciple from the Myriad Learning Society?"
But Bu Eun-seol nodded and said,
"Sim Wol."
"Huh? You knew?"
Yu Un-ryong looked startled.
"Right. The man engaged to Jin Seol is named Sim Wol."
"I didn't know. But... I've met him a few times."
"You've crossed paths?"
"Yes. For a disciple of the Myriad Learning Society, his martial arts and wisdom are exceptional."
Bu Eun-seol recounted the times he had encountered Sim Wol in the past—including how the man had tried to pull him under the Elders' Hall Lord's influence.
"He likely has another identity, or perhaps a separate reason for joining the Myriad Learning Society."
So Ja-myeong nodded at Bu Eun-seol's words.
"It seems the Lord had already suspected as much."
Then he revealed something astonishing.
"Sim Wol—he isn't just an ordinary disciple of the Myriad Learning Society. He's a Registered Disciple of the Elders' Hall Lord."
"A Registered Disciple?"
Myo Cheon-u's eyes widened in shock.
"How could one of the Three Demons' disciples be part of the Myriad Learning Society?"
"The Myriad Learning Society handles all manner of affairs for the Demon Hall, doesn't it? That makes it the perfect place to gain the leadership's attention."
So Ja-myeong looked at Bu Eun-seol and continued,
"Had the Ten Demonic Heirs Plan not existed, he likely would have been nominated by the Elders' Hall Lord as a candidate for the Demon Hall's succession."
Bu Eun-seol nodded in agreement.
Both the Demonic Heavenly Emperor and the Elders' Hall Lord had the authority to select one successor each, outside of the Demonic Path Ten Gates.
And Bu Eun-seol had long suspected that Sim Wol was connected to Jeok Bung.
If so, he had expected that Sim Wol would eventually become a rival candidate for the Demon Hall's succession.
But contrary to expectations, Sim Wol had not entered the succession race.
In the end, after passing numerous trials, Bu Eun-seol—who had earned the support of all demonic factions—became the heir.
"For a man like that to abandon his ambitions and marry Upper Blossom Jin... That in itself is strange, isn't it?"
At Yu Un-ryong's words, So Ja-myeong shook his head.
"The Elders' Hall Lord despises those who produce no results. It seems even his disciples are no exception."
Bu Eun-seol's gaze deepened.
Even if Jeok Bung's personality was indeed that ruthless, would he really discard a valuable piece like Sim Wol by marrying him off to Jin Seol?
Moreover, the marriage of those two would have no impact on the Demon Hall's power dynamics.
No matter how he looked at it, from Jeok Bung's perspective, this didn't add up.
'There's something more to this.'
A sense of unease, unlike anything he had felt before, settled over Bu Eun-seol.
And his instincts had never once been wrong.