Chapter 380
"Something is indeed strange."
At that moment, Jo Nam-cheon frowned and spoke.
"No matter how you look at it, Upper Blossom Jin was someone who had marriage discussions with the Lord. For her to suddenly get engaged... it doesn't make sense."
The response came not from Bu Eun-seol but from Wi Cheon-gyeong.
"The Lord has already exchanged betrothal gifts with Young Palace Master Yeon and Lord Dan. Even if Upper Blossom Jin had feelings for the Lord, she would have set them aside by now."
"That's exactly my point."
Jo Nam-cheon tilted his head slightly as he spoke.
"Which is why I suspect Upper Blossom Jin might have impulsively gotten engaged to some unworthy person out of frustration."
The words were somewhat absurd.
Yet, perhaps it was just the mood—somehow, the squad leaders found his words strangely plausible.
As the squad leaders' attention began to fixate on yet another trivial matter, Bu Eun-seol cut in sharply.
"Do not speak carelessly about Upper Blossom Jin's engagement. Such talk is disrespectful not only to her but to both parties involved."
At Bu Eun-seol's stern command, the squad leaders reluctantly clasped their hands together.
"Understood."
After concluding the meeting, Bu Eun-seol left the Hidden Demon Pavilion and headed toward the Secret Shadow Pavilion.
Through the incident involving the Artificial Internal Core, he had learned that the shadow forces had infiltrated the high command of multiple factions across both the orthodox and unorthodox sects. And the Demon Hall was likely no exception.
He intended to seek out the master of the Secret Shadow Pavilion, who held all the intelligence networks of the Demon Hall, to discuss the matter further.
"My Lord."
Just then, a tall, imposing man in dark blue martial robes appeared from the opposite path.
His eyes were clear and profound, shimmering with a light of wisdom. He had a refined face that would inspire goodwill in anyone who saw him.
It was Sim Wol.
"It's been a while."
Bu Eun-seol greeted him warmly, and Sim Wol responded with a gentle smile.
"Indeed. I can't even remember how long it's been."
Then, as if slightly embarrassed, he chuckled.
"It feels like just yesterday that you entered as the Ten Demonic Heir, and now you've become the successor."
"That's true."
Sim Wol had treated Bu Eun-seol exceptionally well during his time as a Ten Demonic Heir.
Whether it had been under the Blood Demon Jeok Bung's orders or not, to Bu Eun-seol, he had always left a favorable impression.
"My congratulations. I heard the news belatedly."
When Bu Eun-seol offered his regards, Sim Wol bowed his head awkwardly.
"My apologies. Even so, considering you were someone who had marriage discussions with the Lord, I couldn't help but feel..."
"There's no need to concern yourself."
Truthfully, Bu Eun-seol also found the situation somewhat awkward.
As a brief silence settled between them, Bu Eun-seol retrieved a small porcelain vial from his sleeve and handed it to him.
It was the Ten Thousand Spirit Jade Liquid that Dan Cheong had given him as a gift when he left Langya Pavilion.
"He gave it to me, saying I should take it when I go to the Fleeting Moment Boat. But when would I ever have reason to venture into the martial world?"
Recalling Dan Cheong's affectionate yet languid smile, Bu Eun-seol spoke.
"It's a modest gift, but consider it a personal token."
Gifting something for an engagement rather than a wedding was an act reserved only for the closest of friends.
Sim Wol waved both hands and shook his head.
"No, please. That's unnecessary."
"It's nothing much. Consider it my sincerity."
When Bu Eun-seol extended the vial again, Sim Wol had no choice but to accept it.
"Then... I'll receive it with gratitude."
Zing.
But then—something strange happened.
The moment their hands brushed slightly, Bu Eun-seol's pupils dilated sharply.
It was that same unpleasant, eerie sensation he had only ever felt from those who carried an Artificial Internal Core within their bodies.
'That can't be.'
Sim Wol was a disciple of the Blood Demon Jeok Bung.
What could he possibly lack that would drive him to harbor such a demonic entity within himself?
Moreover, Sim Wol's gaze was clear and pure—there wasn't the slightest hint of anything amiss.
"Is something wrong?"
"It's nothing."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly and clasped his hands together.
"Then, I must take my leave. There are pressing matters to attend to."
Sim Wol hastily returned the gesture, bowing slightly.
Tap. Tap.
As Bu Eun-seol walked past Sim Wol with quickened steps, his eyes darkened.
'Sim Wol.'
If he had indeed ingested an Artificial Internal Core, did that mean the elder hall master had also joined hands with the shadow forces?
Or was it simply a personal deviation or scheme of Sim Wol's that led him to consume the Artificial Internal Core?
Bu Eun-seol pondered for a moment.
He possessed the Heavenly Robe Mind Art, which allowed him to briefly synchronize with another's internal energy flow.
Moreover, he had the authority to summon Sim Wol at will. Even if he was a disciple of Jeok Bung, his status was merely that of a martial artist affiliated with the Myriad Erudition Hall.
Lost in deep thought, Bu Eun-seol eventually shook his head.
Then, turning away from the path to the Secret Shadow Pavilion, he instead headed toward the Singular Light Pavilion, where the Chief Doctrine Commander Yeop Hyo-cheon resided.
Whether Sim Wol had ingested the dantian or not wasn't the most pressing issue.
He was searching for something far more fundamental.
When he arrived at the Singular Light Pavilion, the Chief Doctrine Commander Yeop Hyo-cheon greeted him as if he had been expecting him.
"Chief Doctrine Commander."
"Martial Soul Lord."
Yeop Hyo-cheon wore a faint smile, as though welcoming an old friend.
"I wonder how long it's been since I last had a private audience with the Lord. You've always been so terribly busy."
A faint glimmer passed through Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
Yeop Hyo-cheon's tone carried an implication—as if he already suspected Bu Eun-seol had been secretly traveling the martial world.
"My apologies."
"Nothing to apologize for. If the Lord is occupied with duties, it only means you're diligently handling the affairs of this hall."
Yeop Hyo-cheon chuckled as he spoke.
"Well then, what brings you here today?"
"Some time ago, Supreme Cult Commander, you told me that to become the master of the Demon Hall, I must marry Upper Blossom Jin."
"That I did. And?"
Bu Eun-seol did not beat around the bush. He cut straight to the point.
"Could you tell me the reason for that now?"
"Hohoho."
Yeop Hyo-cheon let out a faint laugh.
"You've never been one to dwell on past regrets, Lord... And I doubt you're suddenly worried about failing to become the master of the Demon Hall now, are you?"
He had perfectly grasped Bu Eun-seol's temperament.
"If that's the case, then—"
Yeop Hyo-cheon stroked his chin, lost in thought for a moment before continuing.
"Your reason for asking must not be about Jin Seol herself... but rather, there's some issue with the disciple from the Myriad Learning Society."
A sharp deduction.
Bu Eun-seol was slightly taken aback but showed no outward reaction as he pressed further.
"The claim that marrying Upper Blossom Jin would make me the master of the Demon Hall—can you explain that now?"
"Hmm."
Yeop Hyo-cheon exhaled leisurely.
Though they were both part of the Demon Hall, this was still a place where the logic of power reigned supreme.
Realizing he held the upper hand, Yeop Hyo-cheon's demeanor grew even more relaxed.
"At the time, this Cult Commander made that suggestion out of genuine regard for you, Lord."
He spoke with a hint of wounded pride.
"But didn't you outright refuse that proposal? And then, as if to spite me, you went ahead and exchanged betrothal gifts with the Young Palace Lord of the Divine Maiden Palace and Lord Dan."
Bu Eun-seol suppressed a bitter smile.
So much for magnanimity.
True to his position as an elder of the Demon Hall, Yeop Hyo-cheon was leveraging his advantage to force Bu Eun-seol into submission.
"My reason for inquiring now isn't because I regret that decision."
"I know. As I said, you must have uncovered something concerning the disciple from the Myriad Learning Society."
Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled faintly.
"But that is merely your personal judgment, Lord. And even if I am the Supreme Cult Commander, I can't simply divulge critical information without cause."
Even if Sim Wol were plotting treason, he had no intention of yielding that knowledge so easily.
"Then what must I do?"
Bu Eun-seol immediately recognized that Yeop Hyo-cheon wanted something in return.
"If you have a command for me, I will hear it."
"The Kill-Seeking Unit."
Without further preamble, Yeop Hyo-cheon stated his demand outright.
"This Cult Commander's former Kill-Seeking Unit has somehow become your most loyal force, Lord."
"Not to mention, with your vast financial resources and support, you've expanded its numbers to over three times its original size."
A thin smile played on Yeop Hyo-cheon's lips.
"I'll be taking the Kill-Seeking Unit back."
The Kill-Seeking Unit was Bu Eun-seol's most elite covert force, entrusted with missions of the highest secrecy and importance.
Losing them would be like having one of his wings clipped.
Moreover, the current Kill-Seeking Unit had been personally trained and funded by Bu Eun-seol, its ranks swollen to more than triple their original size.
And now, Yeop Hyo-cheon intended to swallow it whole?
"Very well."
Yet Bu Eun-seol nodded without hesitation.
Yeop Hyo-cheon's expression flickered with surprise.
No matter how one looked at it, the Kill-Seeking Unit's significance was such that he had expected outright refusal.
"You mean it?"
"I do."
"I can't fathom what you're thinking."
Surrendering the Kill-Seeking Unit should have been unthinkable for Bu Eun-seol.
Yet he had relinquished it without a second thought?
After a brief pause, Yeop Hyo-cheon nodded.
"Well, no matter. I trust the Lord doesn't go back on his word?"
"Of course not."
"Then I shall explain."
Lowering his voice, he spoke after a momentary silence.
"Marrying Jin Seol would grant you the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's True Divine Martial Arts."
The answer was utterly unexpected.
Marrying Jin Seol would grant him the True Divine Martial Arts of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor?
"Upper Blossom Jin Seol was a child personally brought to this hall by the Demonic Heavenly Emperor over twenty years ago. And he cherishes her as his own daughter."
Yeop Hyo-cheon spoke matter-of-factly.
"Moreover, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor made her a promise—that he would wed her only to the Number One of the Demonic Path."
Only then did Bu Eun-seol grasp the full picture.
In essence, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor had declared that whoever married Jin Seol would inherit his True Divine Martial Arts.
All so that she could be paired with the strongest in the demonic path.
After all, inheriting the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's martial arts would drastically increase one's chances of becoming the next Number One of the Demonic Path.
'So the Supreme Cult Commander wants me to become the master of the Demon Hall?'
Yeop Hyo-cheon had always concealed his true intentions when dealing with him.
Yet astonishingly, he had pushed for marriage with Jin Seol to make him the Number One of the Demonic Path?
"Do you now understand this Cult Leader's intentions?"
Yeop Hyo-cheon, having discerned Bu Eun-seol's inner thoughts, wore an expression of faint disappointment once more.
"This Cult Leader merely wished for you to become the Number One of the Demonic Path as swiftly as possible. That is why I promoted such a marriage."
With his eyes lightly narrowed, Yeop Hyo-cheon held back a smile.
That smile and the depth of his gaze were so profound and distant that Bu Eun-seol couldn't even begin to fathom where they ended.
"Thank you. I've heard you well."
Having finished his thoughts, Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands together.
"As promised, the Kill-Seeking Unit will immediately begin the procedures to return to you."
"Indeed."
"Then."
Bu Eun-seol bowed respectfully once more before stepping outside.
Step. Step.
His expression as he left the Singular Light Pavilion was endlessly dark.
Though he had uncovered Jin Seol's secret, for some reason, his chest felt stifled after the Supreme Cult Commander's words.
If the Demonic Heavenly Emperor was Chaos itself, then the Supreme Cult Commander was like a well filled with black ink—
So dark and unfathomable that no matter how deeply one peered into it, its true depths remained unknowable.
Demon Hall, Pavilion of Faithful Transmission.
This place was, outwardly, a repository for the various letters and documents entering the Demon Hall.
But deep within the Pavilion of Faithful Transmission lay the hidden nest of the Demon Hall's covert unit—the Kill-Seeking Unit.
It was here that Bu Eun-seol had first met So Ja-myeong, in order to bring the Kill-Seeking Unit under his command.
And now, he had returned to this place to part ways with him.
"The Lord's prediction was correct."
So Ja-myeong, who had been silently listening to Bu Eun-seol's words, let out a sigh as he spoke.
"That the Supreme Cult Commander would inevitably demand the return of the Kill-Seeking Unit."
From the moment Bu Eun-seol had taken the Kill-Seeking Unit under his command, he had anticipated that the Supreme Cult Commander would one day reclaim them.
The Kill-Seeking Unit was the Demon Hall's most elite covert force.
It was impossible to keep them secretly under his command forever, evading the Supreme Cult Commander's gaze.
"How are the preparations for the Death Soul Squad progressing?"
"About 90 percent complete. The Lord will likely find no gap in intelligence-gathering or the abilities of its members compared to the former Kill-Seeking Unit."
In preparation for this day, Bu Eun-seol had discreetly recruited the Kill-Seeking Unit's most capable members to form a new covert force—the Death Soul Squad.
In the end, all the Supreme Cult Commander would reclaim was So Ja-myeong, the leader of the Kill-Seeking Unit, and the remaining, less exceptional members.
"This will be a somewhat prolonged farewell."
Since command would now revert to the Supreme Cult Commander, it would be difficult for So Ja-myeong and Bu Eun-seol to maintain contact.
For a time, they would not even be able to face each other.
"No Trace will perform even better than I."
In anticipation of this day, So Ja-myeong had raised No Trace as his own shadow.
He would lead the Death Soul Squad to surpass the Kill-Seeking Unit as a covert force.
"Though it is regrettable that we could not find a suitable candidate for the Vice Chief position."
So Ja-myeong wore a bitter expression.
If the Chief managed the Kill-Seeking Unit as a whole,
the Vice Chief needed exceptional analytical skills, mastery of Lightness Art and Concealment Art, and the ability to maintain close, covert contact with Bu Eun-seol—delivering intelligence and consulting on matters.
So far, So Ja-myeong had yet to find a successor for No Trace who could fill that role.
"Do not worry. I will search for one in due time."
Bu Eun-seol allowed a faint smile to surface.
"Before we part, let us share a drink."
"A... drink?"
"You've grown quite close with the other Chiefs, haven't you?"
"But—will it be alright? The Supreme Cult Commander might consider it a breach of our agreement."
"The Supreme Cult Commander is not so petty as to begrudge a farewell drink."
At that, So Ja-myeong mirrored Bu Eun-seol's faint smile.
"Understood."
Setting aside his reluctance, Bu Eun-seol stepped out of the Pavilion of Faithful Transmission.
It was only a temporary separation.
Before long, the Kill-Seeking Unit would return to his hands.
The Supreme Cult Commander would not hold onto the hollowed-out shell of the unit—now only a costly burden—for long.
"Lord Mu-hon."
As Bu Eun-seol exited the Pavilion of Faithful Transmission and prepared to return to the Hidden Demon Pavilion, he encountered a woman clad in apricot-colored light attire.
It was Jin Seol.
"Upper Blossom Jin."
Bu Eun-seol lightly clasped his hands in greeting.
The world had peerless beauties, each possessing their own unique allure.
Jin Seol's defining trait was her frigid elegance.
She did not seem like a being of flesh and blood, but rather a sculpture carved from crystal.
One could scarcely imagine her angry, nor laughing or weeping.
In truth, no one in the Demon Hall had ever seen her smile brightly or shed tears.
Even when she had confronted Bu Eun-seol over her fiancé, So-dong, though she had been furious, her gaze had only been slightly colder than usual.
If there was anyone who had ever seen her weep or smile...
It would surely be none other than the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, who had cared for her since childhood.
"I've heard the news. Congratulations."
Originally, Bu Eun-seol hadn't intended to offer her congratulations.
If it were true that Sim Wol had ingested an Artificial Internal Core, and if he were connected to the Shadow Force...
Bu Eun-seol simply couldn't afford to leave him be in such circumstances.
Yet facing Jin Seol, he found himself utterly incapable of withholding his well-wishes.
"Thank you."
As Bu Eun-seol offered his polite greeting, Jin Seol lightly clasped her hands together.
"My Lord also exchanged betrothal gifts, yet I failed to offer my congratulations at the time."
Her gaze and voice grew progressively colder as she continued speaking.
They hadn't even engaged in any meaningful conversation.
For no particular reason, Bu Eun-seol averted his eyes like a child caught misbehaving and folded his hands.
"Well then."
Just as Bu Eun-seol was about to take his leave, he hesitated mid-step.
Jin Seol was staring straight at him with that icy gaze.
/ 0 /
Ignoring her gaze felt strangely awkward. Eventually, with uncharacteristic discomfort, Bu Eun-seol asked:
"Was there... something you wished to say?"
Jin Seol found him truly perplexing.
Be it his appearance, martial prowess, or even his intellect—there wasn't a single flaw in the man. So why did he grow so awkward around women?
She found his behavior unbearably irritating.
'So he truly never held even a shred of affection for me.'
Having sorted through her thoughts, Jin Seol shook her head slightly.
"Nothing at all."
"I see. Then, if you'll excuse me."
Bu Eun-seol hastily withdrew as if fleeing from some plague-bearing specter that brought chaos wherever it lingered.
Jin Seol stood motionless like a lovesick stone, blankly watching his retreating figure.
'Since when had it been like this?'
Their first meeting had been when he arrived at the Demon Hall, freshly anointed as one of the Ten Demonic Heirs after completing his training.
Back then, due to the White Horse Monastery's unreasonable demands, he had been forced into a life-or-death match against the Black Dragon Unit's commander, Go Gun-pyeong, and five moves—barely escaping with his life.
'What a fascinating man.'
How could someone who had trained in martial arts for such a short time not only survive but emerge unscathed from an assault by the Black Dragon Unit's commander, a figure renowned throughout Murim?
—"Quite the madman, isn't he? To dare stare straight at this old man and talk back."
Not only that, but even the notoriously stingy Elder Hall Lord, Jeok Bung—one of the Three Demons—had praised him extravagantly.
That Ten Demonic Heir, whose looks would suit a Peking opera performer perfectly... had actually stood his ground against Jeok Bung, a peerless Great Demon ranked among the Three Demons.
Perhaps that was when her curiosity about him first sparked.
Afterwards, they crossed paths several times, but never exchanged more than passing glances.
Then he became the Demon Hall's successor... and after the Supreme Cult Commander forced that ridiculous betrothal jar upon him, she finally got a proper look at him.
Surrounded by women, flustered and at a loss.
For some reason, this made Jin Seol inexplicably angry.
—"He'll be mine eventually anyway."
She had been so certain.
After all, marrying her would be his only path to inheriting the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's true martial legacy.
Even if he didn't realize it now, once he learned the truth, he would undoubtedly choose to wed her.
But that expectation was brutally shattered.
Bu Eun-seol exchanged betrothal gifts and became engaged to both the Divine Maiden Palace's Young Palace Lord Yeon So-ha and the Dan So-ok.
Then came yet another unexpected development.
—"Upper Blossom Jin. How about forming a connection with my disciple?"
Suddenly, Elder Hall Lord Jeok Bung himself stepped forward as matchmaker.
The candidate? None other than his registered disciple and Myriad Learning Society member—Sim Wol.
Though she'd crossed paths with him occasionally, Jin Seol had never harbored any particular feelings toward him.
—"This old man begs you earnestly. Could you not meet him just once?"
But when the Elder Hall Lord himself pleaded, Jin Seol had no choice but to agree—he had always treated her like a granddaughter, after all.
—"A pleasure to meet you."
Meeting him proved completely different.
Sim Wol possessed not only dignified looks and temperament, but an uncanny ability to understand her heart.
A woman feels happiest when feeling loved. Spending a lifetime with him seemed like it would bring nothing but happiness.
'He'd certainly be better than that unfeeling man.'
As time passed, she gradually opened her heart to Sim Wol's thoughtfulness and consideration.
Eventually, she accepted his proposal and became engaged.
But now Jin Seol realized the truth.
That she'd only made that choice because she hadn't encountered Bu Eun-seol for so long.
Facing him like this made her heart tremble uncontrollably.
'Was my foolish behavior just an attempt to forget him?'
She had no choice but to admit it.
That she'd never stopped loving that unfeeling man. That her engagement to Sim Wol had merely been a desperate struggle to erase him from her heart.
'But it's too late now.'
She wanted to call him back immediately and confess everything.
But there was no turning back.
She was engaged to Sim Wol now.
For the rest of her life, she could never again express her lingering affection for that man.
Clench.
Watching Bu Eun-seol's retreating figure, Jin Seol bit her lip.
She couldn't even allow herself such thoughts anymore.
This truly had to be the end.
'Farewell. And may we never meet again.'
Jin Seol took a deep breath.
Then slowly turned away.
But how could she have known?
That someone was watching from afar as she struggled to suppress emotions she could no longer control.
The very man who had promised to share her future—her fiancé.