Chapter 399
Yu Un-ryong spoke with a grave expression.
"If you suspected there might be a spy among us, shouldn't you have avoided mentioning anything about the Divine Calculator?"
Personal information about the Divine Calculator is scarcely known in the martial world.
However, after this encounter with Bu Eun-seol, it became apparent that his true identity was likely either the Martial Alliance Leader or someone from the Alliance's highest echelons.
If there were traitors among the Great Lords collaborating with external forces, such information should never have been revealed—it was far too critical.
"I leaked it deliberately. No matter who the Divine Calculator truly is, it won't affect what I intend to do."
Bu Eun-seol spoke impassively.
"One thing is certain—if there's a spy in the Death Shadow War Unit... after today, they'll grow complacent. They'll believe they're completely above suspicion.
And eventually, they'll make a mistake."
Even if the spy learned the Divine Calculator's identity, it wouldn't significantly impact Bu Eun-seol's future plans.
In fact, he had used this opportunity to feed the Great Lords highly valuable information without restraint, creating an impression that he harbored no suspicions whatsoever.
In other words, through this incident, he had laid a trap of false security for any spy lurking in the Death Shadow War Unit.
"Don't tell me... Cheon-u is also among those you suspect."
Yu Un-ryong forced a bitter smile.
The existence of this secret chamber was known only to him and Bu Eun-seol.
Meaning that even Myo Cheon-u—a fellow Ten Demonic Heir who had entered the Demon Hall alongside him—was now under suspicion.
"I already told you. I'm merely keeping the possibility open."
"I know. It's entirely plausible. But..."
Yu Un-ryong trailed off, his expression darkening.
Unlike himself, whose origins and background were clearly documented, Myo Cheon-u's history was shrouded in ambiguity, with nothing definitively proven.
Even in the intelligence reports from the Secret Intelligence Pavilion, his file bore the notation:
"Identity unconfirmed—exercise caution."
That alone spoke volumes.
"My apologies."
Uncharacteristically, Bu Eun-seol looked at Yu Un-ryong with regret.
"I keep burdening you with more and more."
From now on, every move Bu Eun-seol made in the martial world would be known only to Yu Un-ryong.
Unless No Trace and So-yo of the Death Soul Squad stepped forward, every decision would require his consultation and judgment.
As a result, Yu Un-ryong's workload would become far heavier than it already was.
Not only that, but he would also have to implement stringent security measures to prevent leaks to the Great Lords.
All while keeping his suspicions alive...
Suspecting everyone.
"Don't apologize."
Yu Un-ryong deliberately forced a bright smile.
If even he wore a gloomy expression, Bu Eun-seol's heart would only grow heavier. That was the last thing he wanted.
"Have you finished investigating the Seonhwa Merchant House?"
"Of course."
Yu Un-ryong pulled out three thick booklets from his robes.
Two of them contained the martial arts manual and information about Seon-u Jin that the Divine Calculator had given Bu Eun-seol.
The third was a detailed report compiled by Yu Un-ryong himself—comprehensive intelligence on the Seonhwa Merchant House, along with all known personal details and rumors about their purported heir, Seon-u Jin.
The moment Bu Eun-seol entered the Demon Hall, he had handed Yu Un-ryong the documents from the Divine Calculator and ordered him to verify their authenticity.
"I don't know if the Divine Calculator is the Martial Alliance Leader or what, but he certainly prepared a flawless double identity."
Yu Un-ryong studied the booklets as he spoke.
"Almost no one knows his face, but his tracks have been meticulously fabricated. This wasn't meant for short-term use... It's an identity crafted for long-term deployment."
Seon-u Jin, heir to the Seonhwa Merchant House.
The Divine Calculator had invested vast wealth and time into creating a perfect double identity—one so impeccable that no intelligence organization in the world could find fault with it.
"And the martial arts manual is even more impressive."
Yu Un-ryong flipped open the manual resting on the table.
"Not just the Flying Dagger Art and Deflect Flowers and Receive Jade—it even includes sword techniques and movement arts... These are practically the pinnacle of orthodox martial studies. In short, he's set up Seon-u Jin as a prodigy rivaling the strongest of the younger generation."
Every martial art recorded in that manual was exceptional.
That meant even if Seon-u Jin displayed strength far beyond what was expected, it wouldn't raise suspicions.
"So this identity was created with a specific purpose from the very beginning."
"Exactly. It's a persona forged over a long time, with extreme thoroughness. The Seonhwa Merchant House is also a legitimate trading group that actually exists."
Bu Eun-seol stroked his chin.
Contrary to rumors, the Divine Calculator wasn't just deeply involved in the martial world's affairs...
He was also a meticulous individual who had even prepared a fake Divine Calculator to conceal his true identity and movements.
So why had such a man invested vast wealth and manpower into crafting the identity of a young rising talent?
Could it be that he wasn't actually an old man... but a young figure instead?
"Or perhaps he has spies planted throughout both the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths, necessitating such an identity?"
'Later. I'll think about it later.'
These were questions without answers for now.
Wiping away the rising doubts, Bu Eun-seol swiftly skimmed through the dossier Yu Un-ryong had prepared.
Seon-u Jin of the Seonhwa Merchant House. Having long been tasked by the guild leader with overseeing trade beyond the frontier, he had virtually no presence in the Central Plains.
Yet the reason his name had spread across the murim was simple—during his trade expeditions beyond the frontier, he had eliminated countless notorious bands of bandits.
"An identity with absolutely no flaws."
Bu Eun-seol let out an admiring sigh.
Seon-u Jin's background and history were immaculate—more perfect even than the wandering warrior identity of Seol-so that he had painstakingly crafted for years.
Contrary to common assumptions, his profile was deliberately designed to suggest hidden martial prowess, with his actual activities neither revealed nor known to anyone.
In other words, there was almost no risk of his cover being blown.
"Though the detail about being the successor of Master Unhindered does give me pause."
The dossier the Divine Calculator had given Bu Eun-seol contained nearly identical information to what Yu Un-ryong had gathered—with one additional, previously unknown detail.
The claim that Seon-u Jin's martial arts were the legacy of Master Unhindered, a legendary master from beyond the frontier.
This meant that even if Bu Eun-seol suddenly displayed extraordinary martial prowess, it wouldn't raise much suspicion. However—Master Unhindered was, after all, a master from beyond the frontier.
The ultimate arts recorded in his secret manuals were entirely different from the orthodox martial traditions of the Central Plains. Mastering them would require significant time and effort.
"If I want to secure a position in the Martial Alliance with this identity, I'll need to flawlessly master the martial techniques listed in this dossier."
"Don't worry. I've trained in orthodox martial arts to the point of bleeding in the Martial Emperor's Secret Vault. Even martial arts from beyond the frontier won't take long to learn."
Closing the book, Bu Eun-seol nodded at Yu Un-ryong.
"You've worked hard."
Yu Un-ryong had, without anyone noticing, become a meticulous strategist—so thorough that even Bu Eun-seol couldn't find fault.
Even if the Divine Calculator hadn't provided additional intelligence, simply memorizing the dossier Yu Un-ryong had painstakingly compiled would be enough for Bu Eun-seol to perfectly embody Seon-u Jin.
"So, you're heading to the Martial Alliance now?"
When Bu Eun-seol nodded, Yu Un-ryong spoke with vigor.
"Go safely. Don't worry about matters at the Demon Hall."
"Will you be alright?"
"Of course. Seo Jin-ha will be arriving soon, won't he? Once he does, things will be much easier for me."
"Right. That's true."
At the mention of Seo Jin-ha, faint smiles touched the lips of both Bu Eun-seol and Yu Un-ryong.
Friend.
In this ruthless murim, there was only one word that could make a man smile.
***
The Martial Alliance kept its eyes peeled at all times to recruit outstanding talents.
And to naturally draw in wandering martial artists, they employed a simple method:
The Distinguished Talent Assembly.
Periodically, they would select exceptional young heroes and invite them to the Martial Alliance under the banner of this assembly, hosting lavish feasts in their honor.
Among the numerous candidates, a select few would be chosen as "Distinguished Talents"—a title personally recognized by the Martial Alliance.
Naturally, this became a matter of immense pride among the younger generation.
And young martial artists uniformly coveted an invitation to the assembly.
This time, however, the Distinguished Talent Assembly was special.
—"Through a martial tournament at this assembly, we will recruit an exceptional talent capable of undertaking solo missions across the martial world!"
When the Martial Alliance announced this, countless young heroes were electrified.
Even for disciples of major sects, becoming a battalion commander in the Martial Alliance without connections or reputation was nearly impossible.
Yet now, they were selecting one through a martial tournament? It was unprecedented.
—"Only about fifty will be chosen for this assembly."
Rumors spread that only around fifty young heroes had been invited this time—less than half the usual number.
Naturally, those who didn't receive invitations protested to the Martial Alliance.
But their complaints were lightly dismissed with the explanation that only the most outstanding candidates worthy of battalion commander selection had been chosen.
In the end, countless young heroes, their dreams of glory soured, could only turn away in resignation.
***
Clip-clop. Clip-clop.
The Eight Horse Carriage raced down the highway before coming to a stop at the entrance of the Martial Alliance with a "Whoa!" from the coachman.
Click.
The door opened, and out stepped a striking man clad in resplendent silk robes, a folding fan tucked at his waist.
Tall and clear-eyed, he carried an air of gentleness and warmth about him.
The youth clad in silk approached, and the guards clasped their hands together in greeting.
"How may we assist you?"
"I've come to participate in the Distinguished Talent Assembly."
The guards tilted their heads slightly in puzzlement.
Those selected for the Distinguished Talent Assembly were all outstanding martial artists of the murim. Naturally, each of them carried weapons, their auras sharp enough to cut the wind.
Yet this youth before them wore only an ornate folding fan adorned with jewels—nowhere else could they spot the telltale signs of a martial artist's weapon.
Moreover, his gaze seemed strangely languid, devoid of vigor.
—I heard that this year's assembly isn't just filled with disciples from prestigious sects, but also many masters from obscure factions.
Indeed, rumors had spread that this year's Distinguished Talent Assembly would not only feature disciples from renowned major sects but also numerous skilled martial artists from lesser-known schools.
Pure skill alone mattered.
Since this event was meant to select commanders who would handle all manner of affairs in the martial world... it was said that selection would be based not on fame, but on true ability.
'He must have something to him, even if he looks like this.'
With that thought in mind, the guards clasped their hands again and spoke.
"I see. May we have your name, please?"
The youth smiled faintly and replied.
"Seon-u Jin."
Seon-u Jin.
He was none other than Bu Eun-seol, now operating under a new identity—that of the successor to the Seonhwa Merchant House, a persona handed to him by the Divine Calculator.
"Seon-u Jin... Ah, Young Hero Seon-u of the Seonhwa Merchant House!"
After cross-checking the command plaque and the guest list, one of the guards gestured politely.
"Please follow me. I'll escort you to the banquet hall."
Bu Eun-seol followed the guard's lead and stepped inside the Martial Alliance headquarters.
'The murderer who killed Grandfather is within the Martial Alliance.'
Though his expression remained composed, his inner thoughts seethed like boiling water.
If the Divine Calculator's words were true, then the ruthless killer who had slaughtered his grandfather must be here—somewhere within the Martial Alliance.
'I'll dig them out. Step by step, from the very bottom.'
The Divine Calculator, who was presumed to be the Martial Alliance Leader, had thoroughly investigated yet still couldn't pinpoint which of the Seven Great Leaders was the murderer.
That meant no intelligence network, no matter how exceptional, could fully penetrate the Three Realms.
In that case, there was only one method left.
Insert a new figure into the Martial Alliance, steadily accumulate achievements and trust, and climb step by step from the bottom...
Until he became someone the Three Realms would have to recruit, someone who could reach the deepest layers of their power.
But the Martial Alliance Leader and his inner circle already held high positions and were undoubtedly under the Three Realms' strict surveillance.
If they tried to cultivate a spy directly, the risk of exposure would be too great.
'That's why the Divine Calculator must have spent years preparing meticulously. To forge a spy who would never be caught.'
The identity of Seon-u Jin, the successor to the Seonhwa Merchant House that the Divine Calculator had provided, was flawless—so perfect that no investigation, no matter how thorough, could uncover any flaws.
Even if the Three Realms, with their formidable intelligence network, were to scrutinize it, they would find nothing amiss.
Yet the Divine Calculator had handed this perfect piece to Bu Eun-seol without hesitation.
Because their interests aligned precisely.
Bu Eun-seol possessed exceptional martial arts and intellect, and his desire was singular:
The annihilation of the murderer who had killed his grandfather—and all those in the Three Realms connected to him.
And he was more desperate than anyone else.
Desperate enough to discard everything he had without hesitation.
The Divine Calculator had seen that clearly, which was why he had given Bu Eun-seol the identity of Seon-u Jin instead of a trained spy.
And now, Bu Eun-seol had to win this Martial Arts Tournament and rise to become a Third-grade Commander of the Martial Alliance.
'No need to rush. I'll climb steadily, step by step.'
Being selected as a commander in this Distinguished Talent Assembly was only the beginning.
He would continue to prove himself, earn recognition and trust, ascend to higher positions, and reach the very core of the Martial Alliance's power.
'Don't celebrate too soon, Divine Calculator.'
Recalling the Divine Calculator's eerie voice, Bu Eun-seol smiled coldly.
'We're merely using each other temporarily because our interests align.'
Had it not been for the identity the Divine Calculator provided...
The Heir of the Demon Hall would never have dared to plant himself within the Martial Alliance, steadily accumulating merit to climb into its highest echelons.
But this plan had a fatal flaw.
The Divine Calculator knew that Seon-u Jin was Bu Eun-seol.
Meaning his true identity could be exposed at any moment.
In other words, the identity of Seon-u Jin was perfect—but also temporary by necessity.
Yet he had chosen this path for one reason alone.
Because the Divine Calculator, presumed to be the Martial Alliance Leader or one of its highest-ranking figures, desperately wanted to investigate the Martial Alliance.
Of course, Bu Eun-seol had also prepared countermeasures—should the Divine Calculator betray him, he had escape routes ready.
"This is the place."
Before he knew it, the guard was pointing toward a pavilion ahead.
There, a signboard bearing the characters "Prosperity Pavilion" hung, and nearby, groups of young men and women had gathered, chatting among themselves.
"The banquet hall has been prepared inside," the guard said.
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"Thank you."
His voice was clearer than usual, his tone and gaze softened into an unassuming gentleness.
Seon-u Jin, successor of the Seonhwa Merchant House and the Heavenly Cliff Flying Dagger.
It was said he had mastered an exceptional Flying Dagger Art and the technique Deflect Flowers and Receive Jade.
Though he had traveled Beyond the Frontier, cutting down countless bands of bandits, his usual temperament was unexpectedly mild and amiable—or so the rumors claimed.
Step, step.
Without hesitation, Bu Eun-seol entered the Prosperity Pavilion.
Murmur, murmur.
Inside, over fifty young martial artists were gathered in small groups, drinking and conversing.
Their expressions brimmed with confidence, and despite being strangers, they exchanged greetings without reservation.
These were the Rising Talents of the Younger Generation, meticulously selected by the Martial Alliance after much deliberation.
Knowing that each of them was exceptional in their own right, they wasted no time in forging connections.
In the Orthodox Murim, connections were power.
Simply forming bonds could easily grant one influence—or allies to call upon in times of need.
'Hm.'
Bu Eun-seol spotted a few men sitting alone in the corners, unable to mingle with the others.
They were skilled in martial arts, yet either lacked renown or hailed from second-rate sects.
Though invited by the Martial Alliance, they had no prior acquaintance or interaction with the major factions.
Their only passion was burning with the determination to rise as commanders of the Alliance through this Distinguished Talent Assembly.
Swish.
Bu Eun-seol settled into a seat as far from prying eyes as possible.
He was here to secure a position within the Martial Alliance, not to forge friendships with the young heroes.
'Good. I won't stand out.'
He had meticulously crafted Seon-u Jin's appearance with great care.
A face devoid of distinctive features—one that wouldn't draw attention.
Yet it carried just enough warmth to leave a favorable impression on those who met him.
'A forgettable, ordinary face is best for moving unnoticed.'
The Martial Alliance had organized this Distinguished Talent Assembly with one goal: to form a new unit to handle major affairs in the Martial World and select its commander.
Even if it was a third-grade corps, it would still carry out independent missions.
Whether in disguise or not, an unremarkable appearance would make operations far more convenient.
'The Martial Alliance's liquor, huh.'
Bu Eun-seol stared at the wine on the table before downing it in one gulp.
A smooth, mellow liquid flowed down his throat and spread warmly through his stomach.
'Not bad.'
People might distinguish between Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions, but liquor knew no such boundaries.
The wine served by the Martial Alliance was exceptionally clean and pure, almost like ceremonial wine used in ancestral rites.
'Brewed in-house, perhaps?'
Most wineries sold strong liquor.
Their primary customers—martial artists—had such high alcohol tolerance that they could down even the most potent brews like water.
As a result, mild wines were rarely sought after and had little popularity. Naturally, wineries seldom bothered to produce them.
Yet the Martial Alliance had deliberately chosen to serve a mild wine.
'They must have the martial tournament in mind.'
Once the banquet concluded, the martial arts tournament would begin the following day.
The Martial Alliance had likely prepared this mild wine to ensure no mishaps would disrupt the competition.
"Someone used Brother Baek's name to seduce the Jongni Clan's young mistress."
A voice from somewhere nearby made Bu Eun-seol's eyebrow twitch.
There was only one "young mistress" of the Jongni Clan in the Martial World—Jongri Sa-yu, the only daughter of the Needle King, Jongri Sa-hyeon.
And the one who had used the name of Baek Mu-seong, disciple of the Buddhist Venerable, to approach her was none other than Bu Eun-seol himself.
"In the end, the Jongni Clan's young mistress stormed into the Martial Alliance to protest. And only after seeing my Brother Baek's face did she realize she'd been deceived! Hahaha!"
At the follow-up remark, Bu Eun-seol turned his head.
He was curious about who this person was, claiming to be sworn brothers with Baek Mu-seong, the Buddhist Venerable's disciple.
'That man is—'
In the center of the banquet hall, a man was speaking loudly, as if demanding attention.
He carried the sword of the Mount Hua Sect, his sharp, spiky hair tied tightly like a blade's edge—a distinctive appearance.
The moment Bu Eun-seol recognized the man's face, something hot and searing surged in his chest.
Because this man was none other than one of the Great Righteous Experts of the Martial Alliance—and the Mount Hua Sect disciple who had once crossed blades with Yeong Mun-ho: Cheon Hwa-in.
Flames flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
Technically, it was the Heavenly Sword known as Jin Geum-sin-an who had brutally slain Yeong Mun-ho.
But the one who had crippled him with the Azure Sun Hidden Pine Formula of the Hidden Fragrance Sparse Shadow Sword—that had been Cheon Hwa-in.
As the thought took hold, a killing intent seeped out unbidden.